India Assumes Presidency of G20 with Focus on Global South
India is set to be the voice of the Global South during its presidency of the G20, as it aims to raise concerns and address the issues faced by developing countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this vision last December, stating that India’s G20 priorities would be decided in consultation with its G20 partners and colleagues in the Global South, whose voices are often unheard.
The term “Global South” refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, while economically developed countries like the US, Canada, and Europe are considered part of the Global North. India has actively raised issues related to the Global South in international forums and United Nations meetings.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar recently stated that India has lived up to its commitment of raising Global South issues. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India sent vaccines to around 100 countries and exported medicine to approximately 150 countries, demonstrating its solidarity with the Global South.
In January, India hosted the Voice of Global South summit, which brought together representatives from 125 countries. This summit set the stage for addressing the pressing concerns of the developing world. India also ensured that the region remained a focal point at the G7 summit held in Hiroshima in May.
Under its presidency, India initiated important sessions and discussions focused on the needs of the Global South. The leaders’ session held in January was followed by eight ministerial-level thematic segments to address the challenges faced by developing countries. The summit concluded with a leaders’ concluding session, where participating leaders appreciated and congratulated India’s leadership for hosting the summit.
India’s efforts to raise the voice of the Global South have yielded results, including the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the Global South during the 15th BRICS summit, stating that it represents the shared history of these countries and shapes modern relations.
In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision, India launched the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) in Nagpur in June. The NADT, in collaboration with the South Center, organized a two-day program on International Taxation. The event focused on the implications of the two pillar solution for developing economies and aimed to enhance capacity-building for Indian tax officers in the area of international taxation with a perspective from the Global South.
India’s presidency of the G20 aims to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the Global South are heard and addressed. By actively raising key issues and initiating discussions, India is playing a crucial role in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for the world.
