L’Inde et le Sud Global – Le Jeune Indépendant

*Introduction*

The relationship of India with the global south is rooted in shared stories, common struggles and mutual aspirations for development and autonomy. As one of the largest and influential countries in the global south, the role of India has evolved, going from leadership in the Movement of non-aligned (MNA) to a central actor in contemporary South-South cooperation.

India’s partnership with South Global has reached a new level under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which organized the first Summit of La Voix du Sud Global (Vogss) on January 12 and 13, 2023, less than two weeks after India took the presidency of the G20. This summit was followed by another later the same year, then a third in 2024.

The Vogss is the initiative of India to offer a common platform to examine the concerns, interests and priorities of developing countries, exchange ideas and solutions, and unite votes and efforts to develop development solutions.

*Context*

The concept of “global south” includes regions of Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, representative of the development nations sharing a common past of colonization and economic marginalization. The role of India in the Global South is central, based on its growing economic power, its democratic framework and its strategic geopolitical position to plead in favor of more equitable global governance.

India’s economic cooperation with Global South is characterized by trade, investment and development aid. Trade has experienced significant growth, especially with Africa and Latin America. For example, India-Afrique trade increased from 5 billion USD in 2001 to 90 billion USD in 2020, making India the third trading partner in Africa. Similarly, trade with Latin America reached 50 billion USD in 2020, thanks to imports of oil and exports of pharmaceuticals, cars and engineering goods.

Investment is another key aspect of this commitment. Indian companies have invested in telecommunications, pharmacy, agriculture and mines across the Global South. In Africa, Indian investments exceed USD 50 billion, creating jobs and developing infrastructure. In Latin America, investments in information technology and renewable energies are booming.

Indian development assistance programs, such as ITEC (Indian technical and economic cooperation), have offered training, capacity building and technical assistance to more than 160 countries, covering areas such as health, education, agriculture and information technology.

India has also strengthened its commitments with the Global South through forums such as the “Summit of the India-Africa Forum”, the “Pacific Indiales Cooperation Forum” (FIPIC) and the India-Caricom summits.

The International Solar Alliance (ASI), launched in 2015 by India and France, illustrates the role of India in the promotion of sustainable development via South-South cooperation. With 121 member countries, including many from the global south, the ASI promotes the adoption of solar energy and the fight against climate change.

*The summit of La Voix du Sud Global (Vogss)*

The Vogss gives the floor to emerging economies and the nations of the Global South to expose their innovative perspectives, challenges and solutions. He calls on the economies developed to redirect their approach to the developing world.

*The three editions of Vogss*

The first Vogss, held virtually in January 2023, included 10 sessions chaired by Prime Minister Modi. The contributions received were integrated into the G20 discussions.

The second Vogss, on November 17, 2023, was theme: “Together, for the growth of all, with the confidence of all”, taking up the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The objectives were to share the results of the G20 Indian Presidency, to amplify the voice of the Global South, and to maintain the momentum of the exchanges. Over 100 countries have participated.

The third vogss, on the theme “a global southern southern for a sustainable future”, addressed challenges such as conflicts, food and energy security, climate change and the burden of debt. It brought together 173 dignitaries from 123 countries. The PM Modi has proposed a global pact for development including four elements: trade for development, capacity building, technology sharing, and targeted concessional financing.

A major advance in India’s action was the admission of the African Union as a full -fledged member of the G20 on September 9, 2023.

*Conclusion*

The geopolitical dynamics of India with the Global South reflect its growing power and its commitment to a multipolar world where developing countries have a voice. Faced with the challenges of the 21ᵉ century, India remains a key partner, working for an inclusive and sustainable future.