Forging a Global South Consensus: Strategic Imperatives for Emerging Economies

At the 4th edition of the International Strategic Engagement Programme (IN-STEP), the Vice-President of India underscored the growing necessity for Global South nations to move beyond traditional diplomatic engagement toward a more robust, strategic partnership. As the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly fragmented, the Global South—a collective of developing and emerging economies—faces unique vulnerabilities, ranging from supply chain disruptions to the digital divide exacerbated by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Vice-President’s call for cooperation is rooted in the realization that individual nations within the Global South often lack the leverage to influence global governance structures dominated by the Global North. By fostering a collective response, these nations can better secure their interests in critical domains such as maritime security, which is vital for trade, and energy security, which is essential for sustainable development. Furthermore, the emphasis on supply chain resilience reflects a post-pandemic shift in global economic policy, where dependency on single-source manufacturing is being replaced by diversified, regionalized networks.

For India, this initiative aligns with its role as the 'Voice of the Global South,' a position it solidified during its G20 Presidency. By championing the integration of AI and emerging technologies into the developmental agenda, India seeks to ensure that the Global South is not merely a consumer of technology but a stakeholder in its governance. This strategic alignment is crucial for addressing the 'developmental deficit' that continues to hinder the progress of many nations in the Global South. The focus on maritime security also highlights the importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a theater for both economic opportunity and security challenges, necessitating a collaborative approach to ensure a free, open, and inclusive maritime domain.