Why in news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s role in amplifying the voice of the Global South at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention and during the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024.
How India is Emerging as a Bridge Between North and South?
Many developing nations face economic distress due to debt crises and restrictive International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.
India offers a collaborative development model, unlike Western or Chinese approaches, with its proposed "Global Development Compact" providing an alternative, non-conditional development cooperation framework.
Unlike Cold War-era diplomacy, India is deepening ties with the West (US, Europe) while expanding engagement with Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
India advocates for a fairer global economic system, aligning with the Global South’s interests.
India advocates for UN Security Council (UNSC) reform, arguing that developing countries deserve greater representation in global decision-making.
India supports IMF and World Bank reforms to make financing more accessible for Global South nations.
India played a key role in establishing the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) to promote self-determination for developing nations.
It helped form the Group of 77 (G-77) in 1964 to unite developing nations at the United Nations.
At the Stockholm Conference, 1972, India championed climate justice, leading to the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
Unlike the NAM, India is no longer a passive observer but an active participant in reshaping global governance.
The inclusion of the African Union in G20 (2023) under India’s presidency showcased its diplomatic leverage.
India’s Voice of Global South Summit has provided a platform for developing nations to collectively push for reforms.
India champions the protection of traditional knowledge through initiatives like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty and advocates for the inclusion of Global South voices in forums like the G20.
India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative, providing millions of vaccine doses during the pandemic, demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of developing nations.
India played a key role in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring climate financing for vulnerable nations.
Co-founded the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to promote clean energy in developing nations.
Strategic Autonomy: India stays independent on global issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, strengthens South-South ties.
India is not strictly anti-West but is engaging with both developed and developing nations without aligning with any bloc.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has left many Global South nations in debt distress.
India is positioning itself as an alternative development partner, focusing on transparent, sustainable cooperation rather than debt-driven infrastructure projects.
India with the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) is countering China’s maritime expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
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