EMERGING as the new face of resistance to hegemonic forces, India has again given a rallying call to the Global South countries which are at the receiving end of global uncertainty triggered by top powers like the United States. The meeting between External Affairs Minister Mr. S Jaishankar and “Like-Minded Global South Countries” on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York emphasised the need of creating an independent system to avoid dependence on any single supplier or market. This has remained India’s position in the last few years as it has opened parallel diplomatic channels to forge a new front with the Global South countries to take on the threats posed by the first world countries. Mr. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of “resilient, reliable and shorter supply chains that would reduce dependence on any single supplier or any single market” as one of the broad principles in a united approach for Global South countries.

 

India called for south-south trade and tech cooperation and advocated for diversified supply chains to avoid getting exploited by a single supplier. It is the need of the hour for the world to form such alliances that will adhere to a rules-based order instead of using economic and military power to impose debilitating policies. This is precisely what is happening in the world with United States President Mr. Donald Trump spoiling international relations with his tariff tantrums. The Indian call for a common front comprising Global South countries is a prudent way to tackle such threats. Global South countries have remained only a geographical entity for too long. Despite rich in natural resources and skilled manpower, these countries have been victims of exploitation by the powers in Global North. It has skewed universal balance highly in favour of a few rich players.

 

This makes it necessary for the Global South countries to realise their true potential and form a coherent strategy to take their designated place in the changing global order. Mr. Jaishankar’s appeal to the Global South countries was to realise one’s self worth rather than getting dictated by a handful few. India’s acceptance in the Global South countries has already been noticed in the last few years. It hosted a summit of these countries to initiate a new course for the betterment of many small countries which can emerge as top players in their own right. The inclusion of Africa in the G-20 members during the conclave hosted in India a couple of years ago established New Delhi’s efforts to bring these emerging economies together to form a new chain and bolster world economy. The efforts are bearing fruits but the ride has encountered too many hurdles in the form of the Russia-Ukraine war and the tariffs imposed by Mr. Trump to satisfy his MAGA support base in America. This makes it imperative for the Global South to regroup and find a way out of this mess heaped on them despite no fault of theirs.

 

The Global South is seeking a new leadership to overcome the shocks dealt by the whims of the current global order. These countries are among the worst-affected due to pandemic, volatile trade and extreme climate events. Their geographical locations and lack of funds to fulfill the sustainable development goals make them vulnerable to catastrophic consequence of bigger events like a war or high tariffs. The only solution to overcome this pressing problem is finding a common ground and creating a parallel supply chain by following democratic and fair trade practices. This can be achieved only if the leadership in these countries shares the same dream of development. A pivot like India can steadily transform the conditions in the Global South. India has already shown how to do it. It is time for these countries to heed to India’s voice.