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

Abstract

This study examines the Narendra Modi government's sea change towards the Global South. Initially, the Global South became less prominent for India under the Modi governments. But with India on the verge of assuming the presidency of the G20, New Delhi promulgated that it would be the voice of the Global South. The rationale for this change is the India-China rivalry for leadership of the Global South, with both countries seeking to lead this diverse group of countries to enhance their national interests. In this quest for leadership, the Modi government is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy by attempting to act as the voice of the Global South, attempting to act as the flag bearer for the Global South's interests by raising issues which affect developing countries, and providing public goods to the Global South.