The Hindu Editorial Analysis
11 February 2025
India as a bridge between the Global North and South
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)
Topic : GS2 : International Relations
Context
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on January 2025, at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas – emphasized India’s commitment to amplifying the Global South’s voice through inclusive governance and development cooperation.
India’s Renewed Interest in the Global South
- India is actively advocating for the concerns of developing countries and aims to create a more inclusive global governance system.
- Unlike past movements focused on decolonization, India is strengthening ties with traditional partners like the United States and European nations.
- High-level diplomatic visits indicate India’s attempt to build new alliances while maintaining strategic relationships.
Strategic Considerations and Global Positioning
- Some believe India’s growing role in the Global South is aimed at countering another major global power’s influence.
- Investment patterns suggest competition, particularly in African countries where both nations are expanding their presence.
- Industrialized nations are strategically aligning with India, partly to balance the global power dynamics.
- The country, however, is not just competing but also trying to establish itself as an independent emerging power with its own strategic and economic interests.
Addressing Global South Concerns
- Many developing nations face economic hardships, debt burdens, and conditional aid from major powers.
- These nations are looking for alternative partnerships that do not replicate existing models of dependency.
- India has the potential to act as a bridge between developed and developing nations but must implement effective strategies to strengthen its position.
Key Steps for India’s Success
- Redefining Development Cooperation
- India must promote an alternative model of development that is not dictated solely by advanced economies.
- The country emphasizes equal partnerships but sometimes prioritizes its own strategic interests.
- The newly introduced ‘Global Development Compact’ focuses on strategies rooted in India’s experiences.
- While India’s development journey is valuable, it should also learn from other developing nations to address domestic and global challenges effectively.
- A balanced approach will help avoid perceptions of dominance over smaller nations.
- Adopting a Human-Centric Approach
- India promotes sustainability and responsible consumption through initiatives like Mission LiFE.
- A broader focus on human resource development is needed, particularly in skills training and entrepreneurship.
- The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program has traditionally provided short-term skill-building initiatives.
- To enhance long-term impact, India should help countries build strong institutions that can develop skilled workforces.
- Cooperation in digital infrastructure, climate resilience, energy solutions, water, and food security can strengthen India’s role in global development.
- Building Inclusive Global Governance
- India has advocated for more inclusive decision-making by pushing for the inclusion of the African Union in the G-20.
- While influencing existing global institutions is important, India must also strengthen its own domestic capacity for international cooperation.
- Initially, collaboration with experienced development partners like the United Nations or European nations can be beneficial.
- Over time, India should build independent mechanisms for international development partnerships.
- Trilateral cooperation and long-term engagement can help India scale up its own global initiatives.
The Road Ahead
- India’s ambition to be a leading voice for the Global South requires active listening and collaboration.
- The country once led a major global movement by offering an alternative path for developing nations.
- Now, it has a similar opportunity to create an inclusive and sustainable development model for the world.