Global South refers to countries that are described as “developing”, “less developed” or “underdeveloped”, many of these are in Southern Hemisphere, largely in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. They are poorer, have higher levels of income inequality and suffer lower life expectancy and harsher living conditions than countries in “Global North” — richer nations located mostly in North America and Europe. The term “Global South” is not geographical. Global South’s two largest countries – China and India – lie entirely in Northern Hemisphere. Global South countries share common history of colonialism, economic dependency, and socio-political struggles and face substantial developmental challenges. Global South concept transcends geographical boundaries; it encapsulates critique of global inequalities, power imbalances, highlighting shared experiences of underdevelopment, colonial exploitation, and ongoing struggles for economic and political autonomy. Socially, these countries face substantial disparities in wealth distribution, educational attainment, and access to healthcare. Politically, many Global South nations contend with challenges related to governance, corruption, and internal conflicts, with autocratic regimes complicating their development trajectories. This framework is crucial for understanding contemporary global dynamics, particularly in terms of trade, economic policies, and diplomatic relations.
Global South is now key driver of global economic growth. According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), developing economies accounted for over 60% of global GDP growth in past decade. While, some countries like China and India have undergone remarkable economic transformations, contributing to global economic dynamism and shifting centre of economic gravity toward the South, others remain dependent on agriculture and natural resource exports. World Bank’s data shows that East Asia and Pacific region, driven by China’s growth, had average annual GDP growth rate of 6.3% from 2010 to 2020. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth rate was 3.1% during same period, reflecting disparities within Global South. Global South also plays crucial role in global energy landscape due to its abundant natural resources. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Venezuela are major oil producers, while Brazil and Indonesia are significant exporters of biofuels and natural gas. Global South is home to majority of world’s population, with significant demographic expansion implications for global politics and economics. According to United Nations, Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2.5 billion. South Asia, particularly India, is expected to experience substantial population growth, making it world’s most populous region. Emerging economies have become major players in global trade networks, contributing to diversification of trade flows. According to World Trade Organization (WTO), developing countries’ share of global merchandise exports increased from 28% in 2000 to 43% in 2020
Future Potential and Risks
The potential for economic development in Global South is significant. With continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, Global South can achieve sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. Diversifying economies, enhancing trade, and fostering innovation are key strategies for unlocking this potential. Technological innovation is critical driver of development in Global South. Promoting innovation ecosystems, enhancing digital literacy, and addressing digital divides help leverage this technological potential. Political instability remains significant risk for Global South. Governance challenges, corruption, and internal conflicts can undermine development efforts and regional stability. Strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and addressing root causes of conflict are crucial for mitigating these risks. Climate change poses threat to Global South, exacerbating vulnerabilities and endangering livelihoods. The region is particularly susceptible to climate-related impacts such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity. Investing in climate resilience, sustainable development, and international cooperation is vital for addressing this challenge. Inequality and poverty remain challenges in Global South. Addressing inequality through inclusive policies, social protection programs, and equitable access to resources is essential for fostering social cohesion.
Global South’s role in international relations is multifaceted and critical to evolving global order. Traditionally viewed through lens of economic underdevelopment and political marginalization, Global South now finds itself at forefront of global economic growth, geopolitical strategies, and redefinition of global governance structures. Economic landscape of Global South is marked by stark disparities both within and between countries. While some nations, such as China and India, have leveraged globalization to achieve rapid economic growth, others remain trapped in cycles of poverty and conflict, exacerbated by poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities. Global South faces significant challenges, including governance issues, corruption, and internal conflicts, many of which are legacies of colonial rule. Rise of regional organizations such as BRICS, ASEAN, and African Union reflects collective effort to assert greater autonomy and influence in global affairs. These organizations are instrumental in promoting economic cooperation, conflict resolution, and pursuit of multipolar world order that better reflects interests and aspirations of Global South countries. Economic development and technological innovation offer promising avenues for growth and poverty reduction, but these gains must be carefully managed to ensure they are inclusive and sustainable. Political instability, climate change, and inequality remain major threats that could undermine progress made in recent decades. Addressing these challenges will require concerted efforts at national and regional levels, supported by reformed global governance system that is more equitable and responsive to needs of developing countries. Global South is not merely a passive participant in global order but an active agent with potential to reshape international relations in profound ways. By asserting their collective influence, strengthening regional cooperation, and advocating for more just and inclusive global system, countries of Global South can play pivotal role in shaping future that is more balanced, equitable, and sustainable.
The World Today
Last few years have witnessed devastating impact of major conflicts, volatility in trade and investment flows, extreme climate events, and slowing down of SDG Agenda, having consequences for global order, causing global uncertainty and risk to global economy and particularly for Global South, as seen in geopolitical tensions, conflicts, disruption of supply chains, increasing trade barriers, fragmented investment flows, climate shocks. Global South today may be in front row of global crises, but is in back row of decision-making. For Global South, there has never been a moment as critical as right now for solidarity
India and Global South
India’s relationship with Global South has deep roots in shared histories, common struggles, and mutual aspirations for development and self-reliance. As one of largest countries in Global South, India’s role has evolved from being a leader in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to becoming a pivotal player in contemporary South-South cooperation. During its G20 presidency, India positioned itself as a bridge between developed and developing worlds. India’s partnership with Global South was propelled to whole new level by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he organized first Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) on 12-13th January, 2023 within fortnight of India taking over Presidency of G20, to focus international attention on priorities, perspectives and concerns of developing world, which was attended by 125 countries. Prime Minister Modi presided over Inaugural and Concluding Leaders’ sessions. India was able to channelize inputs received in these sessions into deliberations and discourse of G20. VOGSS is India’s endeavour to provide a common platform for emerging economies and nations from Global South to deliberate on concerns, interests and priorities of developing countries, exchange ideas and solutions, and unite in voice and purpose in forging development solutions. If the summit demonstrated India’s commitment to engage Global South not as a passive recipient of aid or policy prescriptions, but as an active and indispensable partner to reshape global agenda, it also highlighted New Delhi skilfully using its historical legacy for positioning itself as leader in current context. The G20 was also political opportunity to display material developments and social transformation as evidence of what India had internally achieved. India showcased itself as an alternative partner of engagement. India adopted slogan of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (one earth, one family, one future) for G20 Summit, and carefully constructed image and positioned Brand India against other Asian giant, as an inclusive and non-confrontational leader. Following on success of first VOGSS, India hosted 2nd VOGSS on 17 November 2023, under theme – ‘Together, For Everyone's Growth, With Everyone's Trust’. Both editions of VOGSS saw participation of over 100 countries from Global South. 3rd VOGSS in August 2024 with theme of ‘An Empowered Global South for a served as platform to expand discussions held in previous Summits on range of complex challenges that continue to affect the world, such as conflicts, food and energy security crises, climate change, debt burdens - all of which disproportionately affect developing countries in severe manner. At VOGSS, countries of Global South deliberated on challenges, priorities, and solutions for Global South, particularly in developmental domain. VOGSS witnessed participation of 173 dignitaries from 123 countries, including 21 Heads of State / Government, 34 Foreign Ministers and 118 Ministers and Vice Ministers. This was testimony to India’s sincerity and commitment in advancing collective developmental journey of Global South. The three summits have been strongly projected by New Delhi to showcase its convening power and participation of leaders has been used to strengthen its credentials to lead Global South. India has consciously sought to strengthen ties with Global South countries as strategy to balance and hedge against influence and rise of other emerging powers.
India’s vision for leadership of Global South is rooted in a profound understanding of changing geopolitical landscape, shaped by mix of political ideas, economic necessities and strategic considerations. India’s aspiration for Global South Leadership emanates from an enduring commitment to self-determination, multilateralism, and quest for more equitable global order. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical contested arena, India has consciously sought to strengthen ties with Global South countries as strategy to balance and hedge against influence and rise of other emerging powers. This quest for leadership has been buoyed with a robust economy that in 2025 is 5th largest in the world, giving it more confidence in projecting its claims. This leadership role offers India a platform to consolidate its strategic autonomy and emerge beyond category of being merely a swing state in growing geopolitical contestation. India’s foreign policy has evolved into adopting strategic autonomy and multi-alignment while offering developing nations an alternative from rigidities of great power blocs. By projecting itself as a “Vishwa Bandhu” (friend of the world), India seeks to strengthen the collective voice and ensure equitable representation for developing countries in global arena. Global South constitutes 85 percent of world population and contributes nearly 40 percent of world GDP. Leadership of such a large group would be an asset to any foreign policy, and this was visible during India’s G20 presidency in 2023, where it served as crucial platform to operationalise this vision. Due to consistent efforts of New Delhi, G20 was expanded to include African Union as a permanent member and it was evidence of India’s strong interest convergence with advocacy.
Revisioning South- South Economic Cooperation
India’s economic vision for Global South is underpinned by shared understanding of development challenges and commitment to enhancing South-South Cooperation. The rapid growth of Indian economy in last few decades, racing ahead from 10th largest economy in 2014 to 5th largest in 2025, and technological breakthrough along with enhancement of digital public infrastructure, has brought a new dimension to its foreign policy engagement reflected also in its development and economic activities with countries of Global South. In a major support to Global South countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, India showed leadership in global public health and undertook “Vaccine Maitri” (vaccine friendship) and supplied Indian developed and produced vaccine to countries in Africa at much affordable price, while West displayed vaccine nationalism. Its development cooperation initiatives now encompass areas of infrastructure development and connectivity and also promoting renewable energy solutions through International Solar Alliance. India’s remarkable success in using technology in designing digital public infrastructure has contributed to financial inclusion, efficiency in service delivery, innovation and connectivity within the country. Actively promoted by India as a tool for socio-economic upliftment and empowerment, it has been adopted by six African countries (Ethiopia, Morocco, Angola, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Zambia), while Rwanda and Ghana are in discussion to implement similar payment platforms. This cost-effective model of digital connectivity can be viewed as a third way towards creating a digital non-alignment. India has increased investment in building maritime infrastructure, sharing maritime domain knowledge and Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) in April this year, a large-scale multilateral maritime exercise having 11 countries co-hosted with Tanzania, signalled intentionality to claim leadership and expand benefits to partner African countries
India’s economic cooperation with Global South is characterized by trade, investment, and development assistance. Trade relations have seen substantial growth, particularly with African and Latin American countries
For instance, India’s trade with Africa surged from $5 billion in 2001 to $90 billion in 2020, making India Africa’s third-largest trading partner. Similarly, India’s trade with Latin America reached $50 billion in 2020, driven by oil imports, and exports of pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and engineering goods. Investment is another critical aspect of India’s economic engagement. Indian companies have made significant investments in sectors such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and mining across Global South. In Africa, Indian enterprises have invested over $50 billion, creating jobs and contributing to infrastructure development. In Latin America, Indian investments in IT and renewable energy sectors are on rise, promoting sustainable development. India’s development assistance programs underscore its role as a partner in progress. Through Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India has provided training, capacity building, and technical assistance to over 160 countries in wide range of areas, thereby contributing to human resource development in Global South. 600 major Indian development projects in 78 nations, testify to India’s commitment, African nations and Small Island Developing States, have been India’s preferred partners in this journey. Initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, or Global Biofuels Alliance are all making steady progress. Global South faces a 4F crisis – of security of food, fuel, fertilizer and finance. The combined impact of Super El Nino, compounding fertilizer shortages and now impediments to grain movements, all these are cause for alarm. SDG progress is under increasing pressure. In turbulent times, India has sent medical shipments to conflict zones, epidemic locations, and after natural disasters. As first responder, India was there, be it Nepal flash floods or Venezuela earthquake. India’s limb fitment camps, have given new hope to many in Global South as have its capacity-building, experience-sharing programs, made real difference across Global South
Who leads Global South?
The Global South is not a formal bloc; there is no agreement or an organising secretariat. But some countries are taking more prominent role than others. India is one of leading proponents of Global South. India hosted two Voice of Global South summits in 2023, to “share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform”. China has launched “concerted campaign to present itself as natural leader for developing world”. South Africa has “sought to position itself as a leading voice of the global south”. India has adopted a nuanced approach to countries of Global South that seeks to empower and not dominate, to collaborate and not dictate and to create an inclusive network and not offer competing polarised blocs. In an age of growing geopolitical and geo-economic contestation, with major powers trying to exert influence and act unilaterally, India offers an alternate model based on a historical perspective of collective action. The ability to convert engagement to growing influence and political preference on part of leadership of various south countries has been better played by China. If India seeks to represent collective interest of Global South, it needs to show more evidence of inclusion of the south in its activities by investing more in deliverable results. India’s biggest challenge is matching Chinese scale and size of economic investment. There is direct and indirect contestation based on capacity, political engagement and material power between India and China for role of leading Global South. Compared to China, Indian capacity for development support has been limited in both scale and size. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is global endeavour in terms of number of countries, projects and capital invested by Beijing since 2013 to scale up infrastructure development. BRI has enabled China to project power and wield influence at a level far beyond financial and political reach of India. Designed to deliver large scale infrastructure projects, these are also catalysts for major economic instability. Many African countries including Angola, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Sudan have become overstretched by their economic commitments in BRI. Chinese projects have been characterised by opaque financial terms and immense debt obligations, leading to dire economic crises for participating states, who have been confronted by compromised economic sovereignty and long-term economic instability. In contrast to China, India’s success in field of economic diplomacy has been limited. Indian private sector’s projects and investments are no match to Chinese economic engagement. India needs to scale up with speed and with technology for enhancing more meaningful economic cooperation at South-South level. Contestations are not only between India and China for leadership, but also in other regions of Global South. As G20 Summit moved from India to Brazil and South Africa, one can observe similar claims to leadership for their respective regions if not for entire Global South. There are many claimants to Global South leadership and there is no clear, defined one leader
Key Priorities for Joint Consideration by Global South Countries
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar while addressing High-level ministerial meeting of Global South Countries on sidelines of 81st UN General Assembly in New York on 22nd September 2026 called for greater cooperation among Global South countries to address rising geopolitical tensions, economic challenges, climate shocks and pressures on multilateral system, listing out key priorities that merit joint consideration:
• Transformation being brought about by Artificial Intelligence must not create new divides.
• Energy security is at heart of development. Availability and prices should not be manipulated for political ends.
• Food security is a common goal and we must swiftly address challenges in that regard, particularly supply of grains and fertilizers.
• Ensuring fair economic and trade practices which enhance our production capabilities and to not reduce us to be mere consumers. Our right to industrialize must not be denied.
• The maritime commons must be secured, international law observed, and safety and security of seafarers and commercial shipping guaranteed.
• Global South needs to be part of decision-making structures that deliberate on issues that directly pertain our future.
EAM also suggested some points for consideration:
• Use India’s existing platforms to highlight concerns of Global South, with a view to ensure our concerns do not get deprioritized
• Closer economic cooperation among Global South is necessary to buffer us against the fallout of overlapping global crises
• On Artificial Intelligence, we could share indigenously developed tools and frameworks for benefit of Global South members, and ensure that AI remains human-centric
• Rather than relying solely on Global North, frameworks such as International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and others could bring about much needed progress on climate action
• Reform of United Nations and multilateralism is essential to address priorities of Global South
India’s pursuit of leadership in Global South is anchored in its historical experience of non-alignment and its growing economic weight, using these to strengthen strategic autonomy and advance a multipolar order aligned with its values and interests. Through sustained cooperation, mutual respect, and shared aspirations, India and Global South can collectively navigate challenges and opportunities of 21st century.
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