Global South does not seek assistance but partnership, wants to be participant in global development: PM Modi at G7 Summit
Evian, June 16
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Global South does not seek assistance from the international community but meaningful partnerships, asserting that developing nations want to emerge as active participants in global development rather than remain mere beneficiaries.
Addressing the Outreach Session on "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity" at the 52nd G7 Summit in Evian, France, PM Modi called for a shift away from the traditional donor-recipient approach towards a framework based on equality, dignity and shared responsibility.
"Today, the Global South has high expectations from the international community. However, what they seek is not assistance, but partnership. They do not wish to remain beneficiaries of global development; they want to become participants in it," the Prime Minister said.
Emphasising the need for a more inclusive model of international cooperation, the Prime Minister said that countries must work together as equal partners, while underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.
"We must move beyond the donor-recipient mindset and work as equal partners. We must walk together, not merely alongside one another. Partnerships must be associated with dignity rather than dependency. Through such efforts, we can lay a strong foundation for sustainable development for future generations," the PM said.
"International partnerships and global solidarity can become meaningful only when we collectively address shared challenges. India firmly believes that the lasting resolution of tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation," he added.
Referring to the situation in West Asia, PM Modi welcomed the progress made in peace efforts in the region, referring to the Iran-US peace deal, while highlighting the human and economic costs of the conflict.
"We welcome the progress made in peace efforts in West Asia. This conflict has caused loss of life and property in our friendly countries in the region. Disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy. Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives," the PM said.
The Prime Minister further stressed the need to ensure the safety of seafarers and maintain secure maritime routes for global trade.
"Ensuring the safety of seafarers, who connect nations through global maritime trade, is our collective responsibility. We must ensure that sea routes remain secure and that seafarers can carry out their duties without fear," he added.
Reiterating India's commitment to international cooperation, PM Modi said that India remains ready to work with all partners to address shared global concerns.
"India stands fully prepared to work with all its partners on these important issues," he added.
PM Modi had arrived in the French city earlier on Tuesday to attend the high-profile gathering, following an official invitation from the French President. This special invitation marks India's 13th appearance at the summit as a partner nation.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the sentiment, I wish PM Modi would also address how India's own record on treating neighbors as equal partners is sometimes lacking. We talk big about the Global South but look at our trade policies with Nepal or Sri Lanka—it's not always partnership, sometimes it's pressure. But yes, the vision is right. We need consistent action to match the words.
"Walk together, not merely alongside"—that's a powerful distinction. The Global South has been pushed to the margins for too long, especially by Western powers who lecture us on democracy while hoarding vaccines and blocking technology transfers. PM Modi is articulating what every Indian and indeed every developing nation feels: we are not beggars, we are partners. Well said, sir.
As someone from the US, this is a wake-up call. We often think we're being generous with aid but Modi is right—it creates dependency, not development. The West needs to listen to voices from the Global South and actually treat them as equals at the table. India's voice matters and this is a much-needed shift in how we approach global cooperation.
I love the emphasis on "dignity rather than dependency." That sums up the frustration we all feel when Western nations dictate terms. But let's be honest—words are easy. The real test will be whether India can actually forge equal partnerships or if we end up playing the same old power games. Still, proud to see our PM saying this on the global stage. 🇮🇳💪
Amazing to see India taking a leadership role for the Global
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