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India's Global South Partnerships Emerge as Core Pillar of Foreign Policy

A report details that India's engagement with the Global South has evolved into a fundamental component of its international strategy. This is demonstrated through initiatives like the Voice of the Global South Summits and successfully championing the African Union's inclusion in the G20. India extends assistance via programmes like ITEC, training personnel from over 160 countries. Analysts position India as a pivotal leader leveraging its economic rise to advocate for a more multipolar world order.

Key Points: India's Global South Strategy: A New Foreign Policy Pillar

  • Hosted Voice of Global South Summits
  • Championed African Union's G20 inclusion
  • Provides development aid via ITEC programme
  • Leverages economic growth for influence
3 min read

India's Global South partnerships now core pillar of foreign policy

Analysis details how India's partnerships with the Global South, through summits and aid, have become central to its foreign policy and global influence.

"India's 'Global South' partnership has matured into a core pillar of its foreign policy. - Ashok Sajjanhar"

Washington, Jan 21

Citing deep-rooted ties in shared histories, common struggles, and aspirations for development and self-reliance, a report has detailed that India, through its efforts in diplomacy, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships, is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolving dynamics of the Global South.

Over the years, India's role has changed from being a leader in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to becoming an important player in South-South cooperation, Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar wrote in an opinion piece for US-based South Asian Herald.

India's partnership with the Global South reached a new level when Prime Minister Narendra Modi organised the first Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS) in 2023, within a few weeks of India assuming G20 Presidency. India hosted the second Voice of Global South Summit virtually in 2023 while third Voice of Global South Summit was held in 2024.

Apart from highlighting the interests, priorities and aspirations of the Global South through several VOGSSs and raising their issues at international forums, India also extends all possible assistance to countries of the Global South. India's role within the Global South is pivotal, leveraging its increasing economic power, democratic framework, and strategic geopolitical positioning to support equitable global governance.

"India's geopolitical dynamics with the Global South have evolved significantly over the years, reflecting its growing economic power, strategic interests, and aspirations to be a major player on the global stage. India's proactive engagement with the Global South underscores its commitment to a multipolar world where developing nations have a significant voice in global affairs. Through sustained efforts in diplomacy, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships, India is poised to play a pivotal role in the evolving dynamics of the Global South," Sajjanhar wrote in the South Asian Herald.

"As both a leader and a partner, India continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Global South. Through sustained cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations, India and the Global South can collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century," the seasoned diplomat added.

India's development assistance programmes for countries of the Global South showcase its role as a partner in progress. Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, India has provided training, capacity building, and technical assistance to more than 160 countries.

"In recent years, India's 'Global South' partnership has matured into a core pillar of its foreign policy. One of the most consequential achievements of India in its G20 Presidency was the inclusion of African Union, a body comprising 54 African countries, as a full-fledged member of the G20. This issue had been hanging fire for many years and it fell to India, with its commitment to the interests of the Global South, to bring it to fruition by evolving the requisite consensus on this important subject," wrote Sajjanhar.

India has been able to increase its engagement with the Global South as its economy has witnessed significant rise in recent years. India's economy was the 10th largest in the world when PM Modi took office in 2014 while India became the world's fourth-largest economy in 2025. India is expected to rise from USD 4 trillion economy today to over USD 10 trillion by 2035, he spotlighted further.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, India's shift from NAM to proactive South-South cooperation is fascinating. The ITEC program is a brilliant soft-power tool. Building capacity in other nations creates lasting partnerships.
P
Priya S
It's good to see India taking leadership, but I hope this focus on the Global South also translates into tangible benefits for our own people. We have massive domestic challenges in healthcare and education that need equal attention.
R
Rohit P
Our economy's growth is the real game-changer. When we were poorer, our voice carried less weight. Now at 4th largest economy, we can actually back our diplomacy with real assistance and investment. The $10 trillion target by 2035 is ambitious but possible!
K
Kavya N
This is the right way forward. Instead of always looking to the West, we are strengthening ties with nations who have similar development journeys. Shared history of colonialism creates a natural understanding. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram M
The Voice of Global South Summits are a great initiative. For too long, international forums were dominated by a few powerful countries. It's time for a more equitable world order, and India is perfectly positioned to bridge the gap.

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