How is India Advancing the Interests of the Global South?

Tokyo, Aug 29 (NationPress) Highlighting India’s pivotal role in promoting the interests of the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the international community must prioritize these nations to create a more equitable world and meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

PM Modi emphasized that India's global initiatives, including Mission LiFE, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance, are centered on advancing the interests of the Global South.

In an interview with Japan's prestigious daily, The Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi remarked, “The global community has pledged to foster a more equitable world through the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To honor this commitment, the Global South must be prioritized.

“In our interconnected world, the pandemic, conflicts, and supply chain disruptions have severely impacted the Global South. These nations grapple with numerous challenges related to global governance, climate change, food and energy security, debt, and financial stress, all of which significantly affect their development goals,” he added.

As a part of the Global South, PM Modi expressed that India is acutely aware of these issues and their repercussions on people's lives, and has made determined efforts to place these concerns on the global agenda.

“During our G20 Presidency, we included the African Union, amplifying the voices of the Global South. Likewise, in BRICS, we are actively working towards the welfare of the Global South,” PM Modi asserted.

He underscored that India values its engagement with BRICS, describing it as a significant platform for dialogue and collaboration. According to PM Modi, BRICS has furthered mutual understanding on key issues of interest to emerging economies.

PM Modi reiterated India's call for urgent and comprehensive reforms of global multilateral institutions to enhance their effectiveness and reflect current geopolitical and economic realities.

“Under the framework of the Quad, we have championed the development and progress of nations in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.

Regarding his discussions with the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine and India’s role in facilitating a peaceful resolution to their conflict, he stated that India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the situation. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have appreciated India's position.

“In this context, both leaders reached out to share their viewpoints on the conflict. I reaffirmed India’s principled and consistent position and advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the issue,” PM Modi informed The Yomiuri Shimbun.

“I have already conveyed India’s readiness to support substantial efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution. Given our strong ties with both parties, including key stakeholders, we can enhance initiatives directed towards restoring early and lasting peace in Ukraine,” he told the leading Japanese publication.

Emphasizing India’s motto of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), PM Modi stated that India is committed to building bridges of cooperation and friendship among nations.