Introduction
For decades, the Global South—a term broadly referring to developing countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania—has sought greater voice and agency in global decision-making. Long marginalized in forums dominated by Western powers, these nations often faced limited influence on issues that affected them most: climate change, trade, health, debt, and digital governance.
In 2023, India’s G20 presidency marked a turning point. With the theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (One Earth, One Family, One Future), India redefined the tone and direction of global leadership. It brought the needs, aspirations, and priorities of the Global South to the center of the world stage.
What followed was a visible shift in how the world approached global governance, and how the Global South positioned itself—as not just a recipient of aid or policy, but as a shaper of solutions.
India’s G20 Presidency: A Quick Recap
India chaired the G20 from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. Throughout its presidency, India:
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Hosted over 200 meetings across 60 cities, ensuring wide domestic engagement
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Prioritized issues like digital public infrastructure, climate finance, women-led development, debt relief, and inclusive growth
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Successfully pushed for the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, giving Africa its rightful place in global economic discussions
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Highlighted the challenges faced by least-developed and developing countries, especially during a time of polycrises—post-pandemic recovery, inflation, war, and climate stress
How the Global South Benefited and Emerged Stronger
India’s presidency didn’t just showcase Indian diplomacy—it acted as a platform for the collective emergence of the Global South. Here's how:
1. African Union Joins the G20
Perhaps the most historic outcome of the Delhi G20 Summit was the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member. This move gave 54 African nations a consolidated voice in global economic policy, putting the continent on par with the European Union.
This step reflects the growing realization that solutions to global challenges must include Africa, whether in energy, food security, or innovation.
2. Platform for Shared Southern Concerns
India held the “Voice of the Global South” Summit in early 2023, engaging over 125 developing countries. This unprecedented initiative provided a consultative mechanism before the G20 meetings and highlighted issues such as:
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Food and energy insecurity
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Technology access gaps
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Sovereign debt crises
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Post-COVID recovery equity
It ensured that G20 policies reflected the realities of emerging economies, not just G7 agendas.
3. Bridging the Global North–South Divide
India skillfully positioned itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations. It maintained strong ties with both blocs, bringing consensus even on contentious issues like Russia–Ukraine conflict references and climate finance, which had stalled negotiations previously.
This leadership model—dialogue over division, consensus over coercion—offered a new blueprint for inclusive diplomacy.
Post-Presidency Momentum: What's Next for the Global South?
India's G20 presidency has raised expectations for what the Global South can do collectively. In the post-G20 phase, several developments suggest growing strength and responsibility:
1. Strengthening Regional Blocs
After India’s push for Global South priorities, regional blocs like BRICS, ASEAN, the African Union, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) have gained confidence and relevance.
These platforms are increasingly coordinating on:
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Climate negotiations
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Digital economy frameworks
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Food and energy security
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Trade facilitation
India’s leadership has encouraged these groups to speak with one voice, increasing their bargaining power.
2. New Development Narratives
India’s emphasis on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and frugal innovation has inspired Global South countries to seek homegrown solutions. Instead of importing expensive models, nations are now developing localized systems in:
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Digital payments (like UPI)
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Healthcare platforms
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Online education
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E-governance
This bottom-up development model is gaining traction beyond India in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
3. Push for Multilateral Reform
India reinvigorated calls for UN Security Council reform, demanding fairer representation for the Global South. It also urged reforms in the World Bank and IMF, especially on lending terms and voting rights.
With the African Union now in G20, and support from countries like Brazil and Indonesia, the Global South is expected to press harder for structural reforms at the UN and Bretton Woods institutions.
Challenges Ahead
While India's G20 presidency opened new doors, the Global South still faces formidable challenges:
1. Unity Within Diversity
The Global South is not monolithic. Economic interests, political ideologies, and regional rivalries can hinder collective action. Coordinating a shared agenda across continents remains difficult.
2. Dependence on Global North
Despite progress, many nations still rely on the North for technology, financing, and trade. Reducing asymmetry will take time and deeper South-South cooperation.
3. Climate Justice vs. Economic Growth
Balancing sustainable development with the need to grow economically remains a central dilemma. Many Global South countries want more say in climate financing decisions while protecting their growth trajectories.
Conclusion
India’s G20 presidency in 2023 was more than just a diplomatic success; it was a historic moment for the Global South. For the first time, a major global platform echoed the voices of developing countries—not as afterthoughts, but as central contributors to global solutions.
The inclusion of the African Union in the G20, the launch of the Voice of the Global South Summit, and the emphasis on digital public goods all symbolized a paradigm shift in global governance—one rooted in equity, inclusion, and mutual respect.
Yet the journey has only begun. For the Global South to sustain this momentum, it must:
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Strengthen intra-South cooperation
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Build financial, digital, and trade resilience
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Champion reform at global institutions
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Advocate for climate justice and fair resource allocation
The world is now watching. If the Global South can transform its diplomatic gains into real, measurable development outcomes, it will not just rise—it will lead.