How is EAM Jaishankar Committed to Amplifying the Global South's Voice?

New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged with participants of the 3rd Global South Young Diplomats Forum on Tuesday, reaffirming India's commitment to voice, assert, and elevate the position of the Global South.

In a post shared on the social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Thrilled to engage with attendees of the 3rd Global South Young Diplomats Forum. Discussed the sentiment and unity that propels the Global South agenda. India remains unwavering in its pledge to articulate, assert, and amplify the voice of the Global South."

The third edition of the Global South Young Diplomats Forum (GSYDF) was inaugurated by Ambassador Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) on Monday. A total of 42 diplomats from 42 nations, representing a range of regions including Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, Eurasia, and Oceania, are participating in the event.

During the opening session, Ambassador Malhotra highlighted the origins and objectives of the GSYDF, outlining its development and institutional growth since its establishment. Dean (SSIFS) Ambassador Raj Srivastava elaborated on the guiding principles of Indian Foreign Policy, touched on competency-based training at the institute, discussed the 'Theories of International Relations' and their relevance to the Global South. He also outlined the program structure and wished participants a productive stay in India over the next two weeks.

Earlier in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India's global initiatives, including Mission LiFE, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance, are aimed at advancing the interests of the Global South.

In an interview with Japan's prominent daily, The Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi stated, “The global community has committed to creating a more equitable world by achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. To honor this commitment, prioritizing the Global South is essential.

“In our interconnected world, we have witnessed the devastating impact of the pandemic, conflicts, and supply chain interruptions on the Global South. They continue to face numerous challenges in areas such as global governance, climate change, food security, energy security, and financial stress, which significantly affect their development objectives,” he added.

As a Global South member, PM Modi highlighted that India is acutely aware of these challenges and their ramifications on people’s lives, making concerted efforts to elevate these issues on the global stage.

“Our G20 Presidency facilitated the inclusion of the African Union and amplified the aspirations of the Global South. Likewise, in BRICS, we are actively engaged in advancing the benefits for the Global South,” PM Modi asserted.