India's UNGA Diplomacy: A Renewed Focus on the Global South Amidst US Tensions
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (UNGA, The Global South, Key Groupings - BRICS, IBSA, Quad, CELAC); India's Foreign Policy principles.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. The current dynamics of India's multi-aligned foreign policy is a core IR topic.
Key Highlights from the News
At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), India emphasized its ties with the Global South.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in bilateral and multilateral meetings, mostly with developing countries.
Observers believe that recent issues (disappointment with the U.S.) and pressures in relations with the U.S. are a major reason for this shift.
On the Gaza situation, India, which previously maintained a neutral stance, supported BRICS, IBSA statements strongly criticizing Israel. This is a significant indicator of India's growing alignment with the Global South.
The fact that the U.S.-led Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting did not take place also signals this diplomatic shift.
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