India and Global South

India and Global South

Context:

The upcoming Third Voice of Global South Summit underscores India’s dedication to uniting the concerns of the Global South and ensuring that the G20 platform better addresses their needs.

Hosted by India, the Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)  aims to bring together leaders from developing countries to discuss shared challenges and priorities. It serves as a significant platform for the Global South to voice its concerns and collaborate on solutions to pressing global issues, enhancing engagement with the G20 process and promoting a more inclusive global dialogue.

 

Global South

According to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Global South broadly comprises Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia (excluding Israel, Japan, and South Korea), and Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

The Brandt Line was a conceptual division of the world into two regions: the Global North and the Global South. It was proposed by Willy Brandt, the former Chancellor of West Germany, in the 1980s.

 

Efforts to bridge the divide

Indian efforts:

• Development Assistance: India has been providing development assistance to countries in the Global South through initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, the Indian Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA), and the Line of Credit (LOC) scheme. 
• These programs offer financial assistance, technical expertise, and training to help developing countries improve their infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors.
• South-South Cooperation: India has been a strong advocate for South-South cooperation, emphasising collaboration among developing countries to address common challenges and share best practices. 
• India has participated in various South-South cooperation forums and initiatives, such as the India-Africa Forum Summit, the India-Latin America and Caribbean Forum, and the India-ASEAN Summit.
• Prime Minister emphasised on 4R’s: Respond to the Global South’s priorities with an inclusive international agenda, Recognise the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” for all global challenges, Respect national sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution, and Reform international institutions.
• India also inaugurated the “Global South Centre of Excellence—Dakshin”, which acts as the incubator of ideas and projects for enhancing South-South cooperation.
• Global Platforms: India has actively participated in global platforms such as the G20 and the BRICS group to advocate for the interests of developing countries and promote a more equitable global economic order. 
• India, upholding its “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” philosophy, has consistently voiced the concerns of developing nations. 
• During its G20 Presidency, India emphasised inclusivity by inviting Global South leaders to a virtual summit, ensuring their voices are integrated into the G20 agenda with the theme “One earth, One family, and One Future”.

Global Efforts:

• United Nations Development Program (UNDP): It provides financial and technical assistance to countries in the Global South and helps them implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• World Bank: The World Bank provides financial assistance and development expertise to developing countries. It focuses on poverty reduction, economic growth, and sustainable development.
• International Monetary Fund (IMF): The IMF provides financial assistance to countries facing economic difficulties. It also offers policy advice and technical assistance to help countries improve their economic management.
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Numerous NGOs are working to bridge the divide between the Global North and Global South. They provide humanitarian aid, development assistance, and advocacy for the rights of marginalised communities.

Challenges

• Historical Legacy of Colonialism and Exploitation: The Global South has a long history of colonialism and exploitation by the Global North, leaving lasting legacies of economic inequality, political instability, and cultural marginalisation. These historical factors continue to shape the relationships between the two regions.   
• Economic Disparity: The Global North enjoys a significant economic advantage over the Global South, with higher GDP per capita, greater industrialisation, and better access to financial resources. 
• According to the World Inequality Lab, the top 1% of the world’s population holds nearly half of global wealth, while the bottom 50% share just 2%. This stark inequality highlights the divide between the Global North and Global South. 
• Trade Imbalances: The Global South often faces unfavorable terms of trade, exporting raw materials and agricultural products to the Global North while importing more expensive manufactured goods.
•  For example, in 2021, the total trade deficit of developing countries with developed countries was estimated at $1.2 trillion (World Bank).
• Debt Burden: Many countries in the Global South carry heavy debt burdens, which can constrain their ability to invest in development and reduce their economic sovereignty.   
• Political Influence: The Global North often dominates international institutions and decision-making processes, leaving the Global South with limited political influence. This can disadvantage the Global South in negotiations on trade, aid, and other global issues.   
• Climate Change: The Global South is disproportionately affected by climate change, despite having contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Way Forward

• Debt Relief: Providing debt relief to heavily indebted countries in the Global South can free up resources for investment in development and reduce their economic burden.   
• Fair Trade: Promoting fair trade practices can help to ensure that the Global South receives a fairer price for its exports and can invest in its own development.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of technology from the Global North to the Global South can help to boost productivity and competitiveness in developing countries.
• Climate Finance: Providing financial assistance to the Global South to help it adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change is essential for building resilience and reducing inequality.
• Multilateralism: Strengthening multilateral institutions and promoting cooperation among countries can help to address global challenges and ensure that the voices of the Global South are heard.
• South-South Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration among countries in the Global South can help to build solidarity, share knowledge and best practices, and reduce dependence on the Global North.

Ultimately, bridging the divide between the Global North and Global South requires a long-term commitment to addressing the root causes of inequality and building a more just and equitable global order. This will require concerted efforts from governments, international organisations, businesses, and civil society organisations around the world.