Global South Outreach

Syllabus Areas:

GS II - IR

PM Modi's visit to Brazil for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in July 2024 was one of his longest visits in 11 years.

  • His itinerary included Namibia, Argentina, Trinidad & Tobago, and Brazil—framing the trip as part of India’s outreach to the Global South.
  • The Global South consists of developing and underdeveloped countries that often coordinate their diplomatic stances collectively.

India and the Gaza War:

  • India has taken a more nuanced stance than before on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
  • In the past, India sided with Israel, but it has now refrained from criticizing actions in Gaza while joining statements critical of Israel’s military escalation.

Key Diplomatic Movements:

  1. UNESCO Executive Board:
    • In Nov 2023, India secured a seat as Vice Chair with Pakistan’s defeat—backed by Global South countries.
  2. Second Voice of the Global South Summit (Jan 2024):
    • Saw wider participation and reaffirmed India’s leadership among Global South nations.

India’s Stand on Israel:

  • During BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meet in Russia (June 2024) and BRICS Summit in Rio (July 2024):
    • India joined statements that:
      • Condemned Israeli strikes on Gaza.
      • Expressed concern about civilian displacement and destruction.
    • These statements also condemned violations by Israel in Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Global South Outreach

India’s Balancing Act:

  • While Israel is a strategic defence and technology partner for India, its actions are now viewed through the lens of the Global South.
  • India’s multi-alignment strategy is in action—voicing concerns on Gaza but not breaking defence ties with Israel.

Pakistan & Terrorism Concerns:

  • India condemned Pakistan-sponsored terrorism at BRICS summit.
  • Named Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed BRICS’ stand against:
    • Cross-border terrorism
    • Terrorist financing
    • Terrorist safe havens

Diplomatic Challenges:

  • Many Global South and UNSC members are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
  • India must balance between its strategic ties with Israel and Global South solidarity.
  • Recent events are seen as strategic diplomacy and value-based engagement.

India’s Global South outreach involves delicate diplomacy, where it takes firm positions on terrorism while responding to global moral concerns (like Gaza). The aim is to emerge as a leader of the Global South without alienating key strategic partners.

Prelims Questions:

1. Which of the following best explains the term "Global South"?
  1. A bloc of technologically advanced countries in the Southern Hemisphere
  2. A group of industrialised nations opposing the Global North
  3. A collective term for developing and underdeveloped countries, often with shared political and economic interests
  4. A UN-backed alliance for climate change negotiations
2. At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Russia (2024), India joined a statement that:
  1. Supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza
  2. Expressed concern about civilian displacement and destruction in Gaza
  3. Condemned violations of international law by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Which of the statements are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. All three

Mains Question

  • "India’s leadership in the Global South is rooted in diplomatic balance and strategic pragmatism." Critically examine India’s approach towards the Israel-Palestine conflict in light of its Global South outreach. 250 Words 15 Marks