Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the third edition of the Voice of Global South Summit, emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of countries that have long remained unheard. He described the summit as a significant platform that addresses the needs and aspirations of these nations, which have often been overlooked. Modi noted that India’s shared experiences and advancements have fostered stronger cooperation with partner countries, particularly in infrastructure, digital technology, and energy connectivity.
During his virtual opening remarks, PM Modi reiterated the summit’s role in voicing the concerns of the Global South, highlighting the collective strength that lies in unity. He urged for a collaborative approach, particularly as the United Nations prepares for the upcoming ‘Summit of the Future.’ Modi emphasized the importance of leveraging this opportunity to ensure that the Global South’s perspectives are well-represented in future international agreements.
The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives like the Global South Young Diplomat Forum and the Global South Excellence Centre, which focus on capacity building, knowledge sharing, and skill development. He underscored India’s commitment to promoting renewable energy through the LIFE mission, which prioritizes solar and other renewable power projects not just within India but also in partner countries.
Modi spoke about the significance of financial inclusion and digital public infrastructure in driving inclusive growth. He mentioned the progress made in connecting Global South countries through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has become a key tool in this partnership. Highlighting the formation of a Global DPI Depository during India’s G20 presidency, he announced India’s contribution of USD 25 million to a Social Impact Fund aimed at enhancing DPI among Global South nations.
Further, Modi elaborated on India’s vision of ‘Aarogya Maitri,’ or ‘Friendship for Health,’ noting how India has supported African and Pacific nations with medical aid, including hospitals, dialysis machines, life-saving medicines, and affordable pharmaceuticals. He affirmed India’s role as a ‘first responder’ during humanitarian crises, citing instances where India provided critical assistance during natural disasters and conflicts in various parts of the world.
In his remarks, Modi critiqued the global governance and financial institutions established in the last decade, stating that they have failed to address the contemporary challenges effectively. He called on the nations of the Global South to unite, learn from each other, and leverage their collective strength to overcome these challenges. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to sharing its experiences and capabilities with Global South countries, aiming to promote trade, inclusive growth, sustainable development, and women-led initiatives.
The Voice of Global South Summit, first hosted by India in January 2023, has served as a vital platform for over 100 participating countries to share their views and concerns. The third edition, themed “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” continues to build on discussions from previous summits, addressing issues such as conflicts, food and energy security, and climate change—issues that disproportionately impact developing nations. The summit’s discussions are geared toward identifying priorities and solutions that will advance the development agenda of the Global South.
