Parliament Question: Engagement with Countries of Global South

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2122 ANSWERED ON-31/07/2026 ENGAGEMENT WITH COUNTRIES OF GLOBAL SOUTH

2122. SMT RACHNA BANERJEE

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) the details of initiatives undertaken by the Government to strengthen its diplomatic and economic engagement with countries of the Global South during the last three years;

(b) whether any new development assistance, capacity-building or tech- nology-sharing programmes have been launched, if so, the details of funds allocated and utilized for such programmes; and

(c) the manner in which these initiatives are expected to enhance India’s global standing and strategic interests? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) 1(a) India has undertaken significant initiatives to strengthen multilateralism and promote Global South cooperation through major multilateral platforms. During its G20 Presidency, India hosted the G20 Summit in New Delhi on 9-10 September 2023 under the theme One Earth, One Family, One Future, rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. At India’s initiative, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, marking a historic expansion of Global South representation in premier global governance forums. India pioneered the Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) as a unique platform for developing countries to share perspectives and priorities, with three editions held (January 2023, November 2023, August 2024), each seeing participation of over 100 countries from Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Inputs emanating from the first VOGSS contributed to framing outcomes on matters important to the Global South during India's G20 presidency.

Notably, DAKSHIN (Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative), formed as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call at the 1st Voice of the Global South Summit (January 2023) for a Global South Centre of Excellence, has been established to promote knowledge-sharing and practical cooperation among developing countries. This is a reflection of a partnership-based approach to development cooperation.

2(b) India has always been committed towards addressing the needs and aspirations of fellow developing countries and has been constructively championing the cause of holistic human-centric development of countries of the Global South. The Government of India has undertaken several steps to promote self-reliance among countries of the Global South, which include:

 enhancing connectivity and economic inter-linkages by undertaking projects ranging from large scale infrastructure development to community related projects in various sectors, including health, housing, environment and education.

 Extending financial, budgetary and humanitarian assistance to partner countries to aid them in mitigating economic challenges and overcome crisis. Contributing towards capacity building and skill development in the Global South by offering scholarships and training programs to students and professionals.

 India continues to be a large provider of development finance to the Global South and a modal for technology deployment, including in fintech space.

(c) These initiatives have not only enabled India to strengthen relations with partner countries and put forward its viewpoint, but also shape the 3agenda on global issues such as reformed multilateralism, peace and security, climate change, counter-terrorism, cyber security, energy and food security. These initiatives have also been used to speak not just for India, but as the voice of peace, security and prosperity for all, particularly the Global South.

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