Rising Concept of the "Global South" Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the term "Global South" has gained traction, especially after 82 "Southern countries" declined to vote in favor of suspending Russia's membership in the UN Human Rights Council.
Earlier this year, the Munich Security Conference spotlighted the "Global South" as a key topic. The G7 summit in May also emphasized strengthening cooperation with "Global South" nations.
Originally coined in 1969, the term "Global South" was later used to refer to developing countries. As these nations refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating US-China tensions, the West's focus on the "Global South" has intensified.
Some politicians from Europe, the US, and Japan aim to exclude China from the "Global South," attempting to use the term as a new tool in political maneuvering. In a speech in the US earlier this year, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida claimed that if the West is abandoned by the "Global South," it would become a minority, hindering policy resolutions.
Against this backdrop, India, which previously prioritized relations with major powers, is adjusting its strategy, aspiring to lead the "Global South." The G20 summit, scheduled for September 9-10 in New Delhi, naturally places the "Global South" as a pivotal topic.
India's G20 Focus
Upon assuming the G20 presidency last December, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately emphasized that developing countries would be a focal point.
Modi stated that India, as the chair, would share its experiences, lessons, and models with other nations, especially developing countries. In setting the G20 agenda, India would not only discuss with G20 member states but also consult with the "Global South" to amplify their voices on the global stage.
The term "Global South" was first introduced in an article by American leftist activist Carl Ogelsby in 1969. The article criticized Northern countries for their long-standing control over the "Global South," leading to an "intolerable social order."
After the Cold War, the terms "Southern countries" and "Global South" began to replace the term "Third World" to denote developing countries. The UN Development Programme's 2004 report "Building the Global South" explicitly listed China as a "Global South" nation.
This year, after assuming the G20 presidency, India hosted the "Voice of the Global South" summit in early 2023, attended by 124 non-G20 countries. China was not invited. The summit discussed trade, climate change, energy security, and more, serving as a preparatory meeting for the G20 summit.
According to Indian media, the upcoming G20 summit will focus on global challenges like economic slowdown, climate crisis, and energy transition. Additionally, debt pressures faced by "Global South" nations will also be a key topic.
India also intends to push for reforms in institutions like the World Trade Organization and the World Bank to better cater to the needs of developing countries.
Among all topics, India's primary goal is to make the African Union a permanent G20 member.
Last weekend, in an interview, Modi emphasized that Africa is India's top priority in the G20. He highlighted India's cultural ties with Africa and their shared anti-colonial history, stressing that global development can only be pushed forward when all forces join in.
If India can facilitate the African Union's entry into the G20, it will be a testament to India's capability to promote African participation in global affairs. Currently, some ASEAN countries and Australia have reservations about the African Union joining the G20.
South Africa is the only African member of the G20. To expand African representation, India has invited Nigeria, Egypt, and Mauritius to the summit, with Nigeria considering G20 membership. Other invitees include Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Oman, Singapore, Spain, and the UAE.
India's Considerations
Among the many topics at the G20 summit, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is bound to be the most divisive. Reports suggest that India faced challenges in drafting the G20 communique due to differing stances on Russia.
During the conflict, India did not follow Western sanctions against Russia. Instead, it increased oil purchases, making Russia, at one point, India's largest oil supplier.
For this G20 summit, India did not invite Ukraine. India explained that the G20 summit is not a UN meeting, and since Ukraine is not a G20 member, not inviting them is standard procedure.
Tamari Kazutoshi, Associate Professor of South Asian Studies at Chukyo University in Japan, wrote that India's sudden emphasis on the "Global South" concept is partly related to its policy towards Russia.
India serves as the US's bridgehead in the Asia-Pacific, but it primarily relies on Russia for weapons. By positioning itself as an independent "Global South" nation, India can more justifiably resist sanctions against Russia amid Western pressure.
Furthermore, the "Global South" provides a new framework for India's global diplomacy. During the Cold War, India was an advocate of the "Non-Aligned Movement." However, post-Cold War, India shifted its diplomatic focus to relations with major powers and the BRICS system. Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating US-China tensions, India began seeking a diplomatic framework to replace the BRICS system. The "Global South" offers an alternative that could allow India to re-emerge as a leader among developing countries.
Indian media also pointed out that Modi's government's push for the "Global South" topic is closely related to next year's Indian general elections, where Modi's government will seek a third consecutive term.
If India can replicate its Cold War-era image as a leader of the "Non-Aligned Movement" and emerge as the leader of the "Global South," it will undoubtedly be a feather in Modi's cap. If the African Union can join the G20 during this summit, it will be a significant diplomatic achievement for Modi.
