NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Theme : India & the Neighbourhood
Paper:GS-2
In an attempt to balance the West and with an Eye on the North, India is hoping to rally the ‘South’. The theme of the recently held two-day virtual Voice of the Global South 2023 Summit - “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” - is India’s attempt to add another note to the chorus of the global order.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Context
- Issues with Global South
- Challenges in Development
- India’s Role at G-20
- Road Ahead
Context : In an attempt to balance the West and with an Eye on the North, India is hoping to rally the ‘South’. The theme of the recently held two-day virtual Voice of the Global South 2023 Summit - “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose” - is India’s attempt to add another note to the chorus of the global order.
Issues with Global South :
- Economic Inequality:
- Many countries in the Global South still struggle with poverty and economic inequality, which can make it difficult to implement development initiatives.
- Political Instability:
- Political instability in many countries in the Global South can make it difficult to implement long-term development plans and can also create a hostile environment for foreign investment.
- Lack of Infrastructure:
- Many countries in the Global South lack basic infrastructure, such as roads, ports, and power, which can make it difficult to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.
- Climate Change:
- Climate change is a growing concern in many countries in the Global South, as it can exacerbate existing poverty and inequality and create new challenges for development.
- Limited Human Capacity:
- Lack of skilled human resources and lack of education is one of the main challenges for development in the global south.
Challenges in Development :
- Lack of a Unified Stance:
- India's experience with Non-Alignment during the Cold War presented a challenge for the global South in several ways.
- One major challenge was the lack of a unified stance among the countries of the global South on the major issues of the day, such as decolonization and the Cold War.
- India's non-aligned stance meant that it did not align itself with either the Western or Eastern blocs, which made it difficult for other countries in the global South to follow a unified approach to these issues.
- Additionally, NAM made it difficult for the global South to effectively negotiate with the major powers on issues such as trade and development.
- Issue of Green Energy Fund:
- Although Global North countries contribute more to global emissions, they neglect to pay for green energy, which ultimately harms the least emitters - the less developed countries.
- China’s Interference:
- China is increasingly making inroads in the Global South through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for developing infrastructure.
- North’s Interference in South:
- One major issue is economic inequality, as U.S.-dominated international trade and financial systems favor developed countries at the expense of developing ones.
- Lack of Capability to Utilize Resources:
- Inadequate access to resources is a major challenge for countries in the global South.
- These countries often have a disproportionate lack of access to resources such as clean water, healthcare, and education.
- Impact of Covid-19:
- Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing divides.
India’s Role at G-20 :
- India's year-long presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is also an opportunity for uniting the global south for India by providing a platform for India and other countries from the global south to come together and discuss common issues and challenges, as well as opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.
- At the G20 summit, India and other countries from the global south can raise their concerns and share their perspectives on key issues such as economic growth, trade, investment, and development.
- The summit can also serve as a platform for India and other countries from the global south to coordinate their efforts and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and reducing poverty.
Road Ahead :
- Identifying Simple, Scalable and Sustainable Solutions:
- The need of the hour is to identify simple, scalable and sustainable solutions that can transform our societies and economies.
- With such an approach, it is possible to overcome the difficult challenges — whether it is poverty, universal healthcare or building human capacities.
- Regaining the Trust of Other Developing Countries:
- As a low middle income country seeking rapid economic development India remains well placed to be the “Voice of the Global South”. However, India needs to regain the trust of other developing countries, especially in Africa and South and Southeast Asia, espousing their interests, for it to once again play this role effectively.
FAQs :
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What is the Role of India at G-20?
ANS.
- India's year-long presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) is also an opportunity for uniting the global south for India by providing a platform for India and other countries from the global south to come together and discuss common issues and challenges, as well as opportunities for cooperation and collaboration.
- At the G20 summit, India and other countries from the global south can raise their concerns and share their perspectives on key issues such as economic growth, trade, investment, and development.
- The summit can also serve as a platform for India and other countries from the global south to coordinate their efforts and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and reducing poverty.
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Enlist 2 Issues with Global South.
ANS.
- Economic Inequality:
- Many countries in the Global South still struggle with poverty and economic inequality, which can make it difficult to implement development initiatives.
- Political Instability:
- Political instability in many countries in the Global South can make it difficult to implement long-term development plans and can also create a hostile environment for foreign investment.