Context:
India recently hosted the second edition of the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’ (VOGSS), reinforcing its dedication to building unity among nations and solidifying its leadership role in the Global South. The summit, conducted virtually, marks a continuation of India’s commitment to fostering solidarity among diverse nations.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key Highlights of Second VOGSS
- Understanding the Global South
Key Highlights of Second VOGSS
Themes:
- Inaugural session: ‘Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust’
- Concluding session: ‘Global South: Together for One Future’
Objectives:
- Disseminate G20 summit outcomes hosted by India.
- Ensure sustained momentum for effective G20 decision implementation.
- Focus on the interests of developing countries.
Key Outcomes:
- Inauguration of the Global South Center of Excellence ‘DAKSHIN.’
- Ministerial sessions covering diverse topics: SDGs, energy transition, climate finance, digital transformation, women-led development, counter-terrorism, and global institution reforms.
India’s Stand on Israel-Hamas Conflict:
- Deep concern expressed for civilians affected.
- Urgent call for restraint, prioritizing civilian safety, and de-escalation efforts.
Global South’s 5 ‘Cs’:
- Consultation, Cooperation, Communication, Creativity, and Capacity Building.
Understanding the Global South
- Emergence: Initially denoted countries excluded from industrialization.
- Ideological Divide: Shaped by Cold War conflicts between capitalist and communist nations.
- Encompassing Continents: Encompasses Asia, Africa, and South America.
- Economic Contrast: Opposite of ‘Global North’, marked by economic disparity.
Challenges Faced by the Global South
Geopolitical Shifts and Emerging Challenges
- Disruption Catalysts: Coronavirus pandemic and prolonged Ukraine-Russia War.
- Resulting Challenges: Food and energy supply security, technology transfer, energy transition, climate change impact.
Securing Supply Chain
- Supply Chain Concerns: Escalating energy costs and fertilizer prices.
- Necessity of Supply Chain Security: Reevaluating essential commodity distribution to ensure availability in the Global South.
Ensuring Adequate Energy Supply
- Energy Transition Hurdles: Sustainable energy transition entails technological and financial challenges.
- Disproportionate Impact: Global South nations most affected due to financial constraints.
- Sustainable Transition Imperative: Vital for socio-economic development across Global South nations.
Adapting to Climate Change
- Disproportionate Impact: Historical polluters from Global North, adverse climate change effects on Global South.
- Broader Climate Change Perspective: Need to consider climate change consequences holistically for Global South.
Advocating for Multilateralism
- Genuine Multilateralism Demand: Call for equitable representation in global governance institutions.
- UNSC Reform: Necessity to reform United Nations Security Council and other multilateral bodies for fair Global South representation.
India’s Role in the Global South
Historical Leadership and Global Influence
- Non-Aligned Movement: India’s historical leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement underscores its role in global politics.
- Economic and Geopolitical Clout: India’s growing economic and geopolitical influence drives its increased involvement in global geopolitics.
- G-20 Presidency: Assumes G-20 Presidency in 2022-23, reflecting its greater global role.
Leader of the Global South
- Voice of the Global South: As a leader of the Global South, India provides representation and a platform for the Global South Movement.
- Proactive Engagement: Active participation in international forums on climate change, energy transition, and normative issues.
Championing Global South’s Interests
- Alternative Narrative: India contributes to an alternative narrative in global geopolitics by voicing Global South concerns.
- Climate Summits: Protecting Global South interests in climate financing, emission norms, and historical polluter responsibility.
Global Energy Transition and Security
- Leading Energy Transition Discourses: Initiatives like International Solar Alliance and hydrogen-based fuel promotion.
- Energy Security Emphasis: Prime Minister Modi’s call for energy market stability at the G-20 Summit in 2022.
Democratizing International Relations and UN Reform
- Consistent Approach: India aligns with Global South demands for international relations democratization and United Nations reform.
- Leadership and Narrative Shift: India’s leadership reshapes global geopolitics and provides a new perspective.
-Source: The Hindu
