Skip to main content
Back to Current Affairs
PolitySource: The Hindu

India's Role in the Global South: Bridging the Divide and Shaping Governance

Monday, 17 February 2025
Read Original Article

Key Points

India is emerging as a key player in bridging the divide between the Global North and South. This development is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it relates to General Studies Paper 2, focusing on international relations and global governance. Last Updated: 2025-02-17

Key Facts About India's Role in the Global South

  • India's Global Development Compact: A non-conditional development cooperation framework.
  • Deepening ties: Strengthening relationships with the West and engaging with Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
  • UNSC reform advocacy: Pushing for greater representation of developing nations.
  • Active participation: India is reshaping global governance, unlike its previous passive stance.
  • Voice of Global South Summit: A platform for collective advocacy among developing nations.
  • Vaccine Maitri initiative: Providing millions of vaccine doses during the pandemic.
  • Loss and Damage Fund: Ensuring climate financing for vulnerable nations.
  • Strategic autonomy: India maintains independence on global issues.

India's Strategic Role in Global Governance

India's proactive engagement in the Global South is pivotal for achieving macro-level goals such as equitable global governance and sustainable development. By advocating for UNSC reforms and launching initiatives like the Global Development Compact, India aims to enhance its strategic autonomy and counterbalance China's Belt and Road Initiative. This aligns with India's broader economic and geopolitical objectives, fostering international cooperation and development.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

  • Vaccine Maitri: A diplomatic initiative to provide COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries.
  • International Solar Alliance: A coalition to promote solar energy use globally.
  • Loss and Damage Fund: A financial mechanism to support climate-vulnerable nations.

UPSC Relevance

  • GS Paper 2: International relations, global governance, and India's foreign policy.
  • Prelims: Questions on India's international initiatives like Vaccine Maitri and the Global Development Compact.
  • Mains: Analytical themes on India's role in global governance and strategic autonomy.
  • Essay Paper: Topics on India's diplomatic strategies and South-South cooperation.

FAQ Section

  • What is India's Global Development Compact? It is a non-conditional development cooperation framework aimed at fostering equitable global economic systems.
  • Why is India's role in the Global South important? It is crucial for promoting fairer global governance and enhancing the representation of developing nations in international forums.
  • What are the key features of India's initiatives in the Global South? Key features include the Vaccine Maitri initiative, UNSC reform advocacy, and the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Detailed Coverage

  • India's Global Development Compact: A non-conditional development cooperation framework.
  • Deepening ties: Strengthening relationships with the West and engaging with Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
  • UNSC reform advocacy: Pushing for greater representation of developing nations.
  • Active participation: India is reshaping global governance, unlike its previous passive stance.
  • Voice of Global South Summit: A platform for collective advocacy among developing nations.
  • Vaccine Maitri initiative: Providing millions of vaccine doses during the pandemic.
  • Loss and Damage Fund: Ensuring climate financing for vulnerable nations.
  • Strategic autonomy: India maintains independence on global issues.
  • Countering China's BRI: Positioning as an alternative development partner.
  • Challenges: Managing China's influence and delays in project implementation.
  • Institutional gaps: Need for a structured long-term vision for development aid.
  • Balancing ties: Navigating relationships with Global North and South.
  • Big Brother perception: Addressing mistrust among Global South nations.
  • Institutionalizing development diplomacy: Establishing a clear international assistance policy.
  • Deepening South-South cooperation: Strengthening regional partnerships and trade.
  • Enhancing soft power: Expanding diaspora engagement and educational ties.
D1

Practice Questions

Test your understanding of this article

Question 1 of 50 / 5 answered
1

The term that refers to India's strategic approach of maintaining independence in its foreign policy, particularly in relation to global powers such as the United States and China, while fostering South-South cooperation, is known as what?