INDIA'S ROLE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH

India, as the leader of the Global South, has initiated an extensive year-round series of G20 discussions and meetings under the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth-One FamilyOne Future" and this holds enormous implications for the Global South.

- Vedika Rekhi

In the past, India was predominantly perceived as a developing nation. However, its recent trajectory over the last decade indicates that India is charting a new course for itself in the regional and global economic and political landscape. As a leader of the Global South, India has strategically positioned itself as a trailblazer and frontrunner, with diverse achievements attributed to itself across varied spheres. To elaborate, India's foreign policy strategies are guided by its interests to advance its potential to influence the international order.

India, at present, has several opportunities to engage in a new multilateral world order and contribute to the development and stability of third-world countries. As one of the largest democracies in the world, India has always provided global leadership in the Global South. India's foreign policy, since its Independence has been characterised by its commitment to the betterment and support of "Third Worldism" and the sovereignty of the developing countries. Unlike the other Asian leader, China, India did not join any bloc during the Cold War and played a critical role in the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). It emphasized the importance of the United Nations as the leading institution and advocated for its supremacy over specialized organizations like the World Bank and the IMF. Moreover, New Delhi became a member of GATT, the IMF and the World Bank at an early stage, while Beijing joined the WTO later, signifying differing approaches to integration with the global economy.