India’s renewed engagement with the Global South in Modi 2.0

During the first two Modi administrations (2014–2024), India initially deprioritized the Global South in favor of strengthening strategic partnerships with established major powers. However, as India approached its G20 presidency in 2023, the government executed a significant shift in foreign policy, positioning itself as the primary voice and advocate for the Global South. This study investigates the drivers behind this pivot, arguing that it is fundamentally rooted in the intensifying Sino-Indian rivalry for leadership within the developing world.

To compete with China, which has held a decade-long head start in engaging the Global South, the Modi government adopted a multi-pronged strategy. First, India has sought to act as the "voice" of the Global South in international forums, using platforms like the G20 to highlight issues such as debt crises, climate change, and post-pandemic recovery. Second, India has positioned itself as a "flag bearer" for these nations' interests, advocating for reforms in global governance and multilateral institutions. Finally, New Delhi has increased the provision of public goods, including medical supplies through the "Vaccine Maitri" initiative, digital public infrastructure, and capacity-building programs, to demonstrate its utility as a partner.

Despite these efforts, the author argues that India's quest for leadership faces substantial hurdles. The emergence of "non-alignment 2.0" means that many developing nations prefer to exercise strategic autonomy rather than align with a single leader. Furthermore, India's own development constraints limit its ability to provide the massive financial support that many Global South countries require. Finally, historical tensions with neighbors and India's reputation as a "sovereignty hawk" in trade negotiations create skepticism among potential partners, making it difficult for New Delhi to consolidate its influence as the undisputed leader of the Global South.