The Global North includes wealthy and developed countries with strong economies and advanced technology, while the Global South consists of developing nations in Africa, Latin America and most of Asia, facing challenges like poverty and poor infrastructure. Though not strictly based on geography, this divide highlights global inequalities. India is emerging as the Voice of the Global South, advocating for fair global governance and stronger ties with developing nations. Unlike its past role in the Non-Alignment Movement, India now balances relations with both developing and powerful countries. Some see this as competition with China, but India aims to create its own global identity. To lead effectively, India must promote equal partnerships, adopt a people-centric approach and strengthen global governance, ensuring real benefits for the Global South.
What is the Meaning of Global North and Global South?
The terms Global North and Global South describe groups of countries based on their wealth and development rather than their location on a map. The Global North includes rich and developed countries. These countries have strong economies, advanced technology and high living standards. On the other hand, the Global South includes countries in Africa, Latin America and most of Asia, which are still developing and often face poverty, poor infrastructure and lower access to education and healthcare. Notably, this classification does not align strictly with the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as some countries of the Global South are located in the north and vice versa.
According to the United Nations Conference on 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). In contrast, the Global North includes Northern America, Europe, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
The Brandt Line, introduced in the 1980s by Willy Brandt, visually represented this global divide, distinguishing the wealthy "North" from the less developed "South." The Global North–South divide remains a critical framework for understanding global inequalities. Despite criticisms that it is outdated, the Brandt Line remains a useful representation of global economic disparities.
Since its independence, India, despite its limited resources, emerged as a voice for the Global South, championing anti-colonialism, anti-racism, non-violence, Panchsheel and the Non-Aligned Movement. However, in the past decade, India’s foreign policy has shifted from third-world leadership to great power politics. With the recent G20 Presidency transfer from Indonesia to India, there is renewed attention on the Global South.
In January 2025, while speaking at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is not only asserting its views but also amplifying the voice of developing countries (Global South). Similarly, during the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit in August 2024, Mr. Modi highlighted India’s commitment to reforming global governance to make it more inclusive for developing nations.
India’s current focus on the Global South is different from the past Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), which was based on decolonization and criticism of Western countries. Today, India is building strong ties with developing nations while also strengthening its relations with powerful countries like the United States and European nations. High-level visits, such as Jake Sullivan’s (U.S. National Security Adviser) visit in January 2025 and Mr. Modi’s visit to Poland in August 2024, show India’s balanced approach.
Some experts believe that India’s growing interest in the Global South is aimed at countering China’s global influence. China has made significant investments in African countries and India is also expanding its presence there. Additionally, powerful nations are supporting India as a strategic partner to balance China’s dominance. The Quad alliance (India, Japan, Australia and the U.S.) is seen as part of this strategy to maintain a free and fair Indo-Pacific region. However, India is not just competing with China—it is working to create its own independent identity as a global leader.
India must focus on fair and equal cooperation with developing countries rather than adopting a “big brother” approach. The newly announced Global Development Compact is based on Indian experiences, but India should also learn from other nations to strengthen its position as a global leader.
India has emphasized a people-first approach through initiatives like Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), Skill India and programs for women entrepreneurship. To truly support the Global South, India must:
India played a key role in bringing the African Union into the G-20 in 2023, showing its commitment to inclusive global governance. However, India should not stop here. It must:
Strategic expert Happymon Jacob asserts that the world looks to India for moral leadership and peace-building. With India’s G20 Presidency and its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), its responsibility in global governance has expanded. Jacob even refers to India as a “pole” in global politics, capable of addressing security, climate and economic challenges.
For the Indo-Pacific to be truly effective, it must:
India aims to be the ‘Voice’ of the Global South, but to lead effectively, it must listen and collaborate with other nations. In the past, India led the Non-Alignment Movement, providing developing countries with an alternative to Western or Soviet influence. Today, India has a similar opportunity to shape a new, fairer world order that benefits the Global South. To achieve this, India must take decisive steps to turn its vision into reality.
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.India is emerging as the 'Voice of the Global South.' Analyze its role, strategic engagements and challenges in balancing ties with both developing and developed nations. (250 words) |
1. What is the Global North-South divide?
The Global North includes wealthy, developed nations, while the Global South consists of developing countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, facing economic and infrastructure challenges.
2. Why is India called the ‘Voice of the Global South’?
India advocates for fair global governance, stronger South-South ties and inclusive development, ensuring developing nations have a say in global decisions.
3. How is India’s approach different from the Non-Alignment Movement?
Unlike NAM, which avoided alliances, India now engages both developing and developed nations, balancing diplomacy with strategic partnerships.
4. What are India’s key initiatives for the Global South?
5. How does India’s leadership in global governance help the Global South?
India pushes for UN reforms, fair trade and economic equity, shaping global policies to benefit developing nations.
6. What challenges does India face in leading the Global South?
India must strengthen institutions, expand financial aid and balance global pressures to lead effectively.
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved