3rd Voice of Global South Summit: India’s ‘Global Compact’

🧭 Context

On August 17, 2023, India hosted the 3rd edition of the Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) virtually. At the summit, India proposed a “Global Development Compact”, aimed at sharing its development experience with other developing nations and enhancing South-South cooperation.

🌍 What is the Global South?

➤ Definition and Origin:

• The Global South refers to countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania which are traditionally less economically developed.
• It is distinct from the Global North, which includes wealthier, industrialized nations such as the US, Europe, and parts of East Asia.
• The term “Global South” was first coined by political activist Carl Oglesby in 1969, highlighting the global disparity in wealth and development.

➤ Key Characteristics of the Global South:

1. Low per capita income and high poverty rates.
2. High levels of inequality, both economic and social.
3. Rapid population growth.
4. External dependence on aid, technology, and trade from Global North.
5. Limited representation in global governance institutions like UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank.

➤ Economic Relevance:

• According to World Bank data:
  • The share of Global South in global GDP increased from 20% (1970s–1990s) to ~40% by 2012, showcasing its rising influence in the global economy.

🤝 What is a Global Compact?

• A Global Compact is an initiative involving a shared commitment by countries or organizations toward common principles and goals, often centered on:
  • Sustainable Development
  • Human Rights
  • Equity
  • Peace and Cooperation
• Example: UN Global Compact (2000) promoting corporate sustainability.
• India’s proposed Global Development Compact (GDC) aims to institutionalize South-South cooperation through knowledge-sharing, capacity building, trade facilitation, and inclusive growth.

🕊️ What is VOGSS (Voice of Global South Summit)?

• An Indian diplomatic initiative that brings together countries of the Global South to:
  • Exchange views on global issues.
  • Build a common voice at international forums.
  • Advocate for reforms in global governance.
• Inspired by India’s civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – The world is one family.

➤ India hosted 3 VOGSS editions:

1. January 2023 – 1st Summit
2. November 2023 – 2nd Summit
3. August 2023 – 3rd Summit

📌 Highlights of the 3rd VOGSS

• Theme: “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”
• Participation: 123 countries joined the virtual summit.
  • China and Pakistan were not invited, showcasing India’s strategic choices.
• India’s Proposal – Global Development Compact (GDC):
  • Aim: Address development finance concerns and promote inclusive growth.
  • Focus Areas:
    • Trade facilitation
    • Sustainable development
    • Technology transfer
    • Capacity building
• Key Funding Announcements:
  • $2.5 million fund: For trade promotion among Global South nations.
  • $1 million fund: For trade policy training, to build capacity of diplomats and trade officials from developing nations.

🇮🇳 India’s Role in the Global South

🧩 As a Unifying Force:

• The Global South lacks a central coordinator to lead negotiations at global platforms.
• India fills this vacuum effectively due to its demographic, economic, and geopolitical position.

🏛️ India’s Foreign Policy and Credibility:

• India’s stance of non-alignment, neutrality in global conflicts, and developmental diplomacy makes it a credible leader.
• Recent examples:
  • Vaccine Maitri – COVID vaccine supplies to over 100 countries.
  • Neutral stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel-Gaza war.
  • Pro-development image without military or colonial baggage.

🏗️ India’s Key Initiatives for the Global South

🌐 India as a Bridge Between Global North and South

• India’s identity as a democratic, diverse, and inclusive society enables it to represent Southern voices while engaging with the North.
• Key examples:
  • India’s role in Quad (with US, Japan, Australia).
  • Advocated for inclusion of the African Union into G20 under India’s 2023 Presidency.
  • India’s leadership in BRICS, IBSA, and South-South cooperation forums.

🎯 India’s Global South Vision

• Strategic Objective: Create an inclusive, equitable global order that respects the sovereignty and development needs of the South.
• Key Pillars:
  • Economic collaboration and trade among Southern nations.
  • Technology democratization and infrastructure sharing.
  • Multilateralism and UN reforms to reflect current realities.
  • South-South solidarity to reduce dependence on the Global North.

⚠️ Challenges Faced by the Global South

1. Outdated Global Institutions:
   • Limited say in IMF, World Bank, UN Security Council.
   • Need for reform to reflect demographic and economic shifts.
2. Technology Gap:
   • Unequal access to digital infrastructure and innovation.
   • High cost of licensing and dependence on Western tech.
3. Geopolitical Instability:
   • Conflicts, terrorism, extremism, and separatist threats persist in several developing regions.
4. Climate and Environmental Crisis:
   • Global South is most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions.
5. Development Finance:
   • Lack of affordable, unconditional development finance from global institutions.
   • Rising debt burdens post-COVID and during global inflationary trends.

📝 Conclusion

India is leveraging its diplomatic strength, economic growth, and civilizational ethos to position itself as the voice and capital of the Global South. As global power equations shift, and the North-South divide widens over climate, technology, and governance, India’s “Global Development Compact” can offer a pragmatic, inclusive, and future-oriented framework for cooperation.

In a world of rising multipolarity and fragmentation, India’s strategic neutrality, multilateral engagement, and developmental focus make it uniquely placed to act as a bridge between aspirations of the South and the influence of the North.

✍️ Probable Mains Questions

1. Q. Discuss India’s leadership role in promoting South-South cooperation through the Voice of Global South Summit.
2. Q. What are the structural challenges faced by the Global South in international institutions? How can India help overcome these challenges?
3. Q. Critically evaluate the significance of India’s proposed “Global Development Compact” in reshaping global development discourse.