India's Role in the Global South: A Balancing Act Amidst G7 Observations

India's Commitment to the Global South

India has recently asserted its commitment to amplify the Voice of the Global South (VoGS) on the international stage, as announced by government officials this month. A headline from a local publication aptly summarized this sentiment: “Time to Make Presence Felt, India Voice for Global South: S Jaishankar ahead of G7.” For the past three years, India has been hosting the Voice of the Global South Summit, abbreviated as VOGSS.

The impetus for this declaration coincided with India's participation in the G7 summit, where it was invited as an observer alongside nations like Mexico, Brazil, Comoros, and the Cook Islands. However, this role is largely symbolic, offering little more than a spectator's view.

The G7, comprised of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan, issued a statement condemning Iran following military actions by Israel. The G7 affirmed Israel's right to defend itself while labeling Iran as a significant source of regional instability and terrorism.

While VoGS had no official stance on this matter, India's Prime Minister noted the importance of making their presence felt, especially since VoGS was sidelined during discussions. The rationale behind attending events where India has no influence remains unclear, yet it seems the powerful nations have their own agendas.

In contrast, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which includes VoGS as a member with actual influence, released a statement condemning Israel's military actions. The SCO, consisting of nine nations including China, India, and Russia, represents a significant portion of the global population and advocates for the rights of less powerful nations.

The SCO's statement condemned Israel's military strikes as violations of international law, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives and infrastructure.

On the same day, India issued a counter-statement distancing itself from the SCO's remarks, clarifying that it did not engage in discussions regarding the statement. The reasons for avoiding discussions where India could have a voice, while participating in those where it is merely an observer, remain ambiguous.

Another headline from June 14 highlighted India's abstention from a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which was supported by 149 other nations. The resolution condemned the use of starvation and the denial of aid as warfare tactics, demanding an end to the blockade imposed by Israel. All South Asian countries voted in favor, except for VoGS.

In cricket, this kind of inaction is often referred to as “shouldering arms.”

India justified its abstention by stating that it believes conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, suggesting a need to bring together both aggressors and victims.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India hosted its third Voice of Global South Summit on August 14, 2024. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of inclusivity and is rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, aiming to unite Global South nations to share their perspectives on various issues.

However, on May 8, the Indian government informed the Supreme Court that it does not recognize UNHCR-issued refugee cards or the Rohingya as refugees, citing its non-signatory status to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. This raises questions about the sincerity of VoGS's claims of global solidarity.

It is crucial to note that India's refusal to ratify the UN Refugee Convention cannot justify subjecting individuals to dangerous and persecutory conditions. Under customary international law, India is obligated to refrain from returning individuals to places where they face serious human rights violations. Yet, the contradiction between India's grand proclamations about the Global South and its actions suggests a troubling inconsistency that continues to unfold.

By Aakar Patel