The “Voice of the Global South” summit, organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intends to highlight the problems and difficulties faced by developing and growing nations including those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America in the G-20. There are over 120 nations taking part. India is attempting to represent the views of non-G-20 nations through this activity.

India has presented the world with a new agenda of “Response, Recognize, Respect and Reform” on behalf of the countries of the South, offering to be the voice of the “Global South.” On the first day of the two-day special conference, Voice of the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a digital speech. The future of the Global South, according to the Prime Minister, is most at risk. Although the majority of the world’s problems are not its fault, the Global South is the region that is most impacted. Many of the nations participating at the conference have experienced an investment era. The “Global South” refers to the nations of South America, Africa, and Asia.

The Prime Minister stated that the globe is in a condition of crisis and that “your voice is India’s voice” in terms of India’s involvement in resolving it. India’s priorities are the same as yours. According to the prime minister, the international community must create a comprehensive and well-balanced agenda in order to address the concerns of the Global South. It must acknowledge that all global concerns fall under the umbrella of the “common but differentiated responsibilities” idea. Modi also advocated for the rule of law, the peaceful resolution of differences and conflicts, and respect for each nation’s sovereignty. He also supported reforming international organizations, such as the UN, to ensure their continued relevance.

The Prime Minister declared that the last year, which was marked by wars, conflicts, terrorism, and geopolitical tensions, has come to an end. These, according to him, include the growing cost of food, fertilizer, and fuel; natural calamities brought by by climate change; and the widespread economic effects of the Covid epidemic. The duration of this situation of instability is likewise impossible to foresee.

According to the prime minister, emerging nations are not to blame for recent and ongoing global problems. He claimed that the industrialized nations were to blame for the majority of the issues the globe was currently experiencing. We have witnessed it in the consequences of the COVID pandemic, climate change, terrorism, and other events, he continued. Even the Ukraine conflict is similar in these nations that are unaffected by our involvement or voice in finding a solution.

He emphasized that India’s strategy is to work together for development throughout the world and in all areas, saying that India has always strived to share its experience and knowledge with the less developed countries. The prime minister declared, “During the epidemic, we sent medicines and vaccinations to more than 100 countries. India has consistently been prepared to help emerging nations map out a common future. He said, “It is only right that we want to enhance the voice of the Global South given that India is chairing the G20 this year. The advantages of progress should no longer be denied to those living in the Global South. We must work together to reform international financial and political governance. It can widen opportunities by reducing inequalities, support development and bring progress and prosperity.’

According to Modi, emerging nations share a common past. In the previous century, “we helped one another resist foreign authority.” For the benefit of the populace, we may collaborate in this way once more in the twenty-first century. Given that India is hosting the G20 this year and that many foreign leaders will be in attendance, the Prime Minister’s address will be a topic of discussion in the months to come.

Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister, stated on Thursday that India, as the G-20’s chair, is eager to tackle the development challenges of the Global South in order to improve the fairness of the international economic system.

Sitharaman stated, “India is keen to maintain the vision of the Global South, which has been a co-traveler on the path of progress for decades,” in her digital address to the conference. We must devise a system that allows the assistance offered by multilateral development banks to be individualized and complementary to the requirements of the nation. However, the pandemic’s challenges have shown flaws at all levels and demonstrated the necessity for extensive action plans so that these institutions can function in accordance with the requirements of a certain country.

According to Sitharaman, current geopolitical tensions and the pandemic have increased global debt worries, which might cause a worldwide recession if not addressed. She said that for many years, through grants, financial facilities, technical consulting, and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC), India has been at the forefront of efforts to promote development cooperation. According to Sitharaman, there is an increasing possibility of a systemic global debt crisis due to the rise in credit insecurity on a worldwide scale. She claimed that countries that are forced to choose between paying off foreign debt and providing for basic requirements like food and fuel demonstrate this. Focusing on the social aspect of growth and the widening financial disparity many nations are experiencing in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is necessary, according to the finance minister. In outlining India’s engagement with the Global South, Sitharaman noted that our programs for development cooperation are evolving into a template for information exchange and capacity building with other Global South nations.