India’s Influence in the Global South: Guiding Leadership, Facing Challenges, and Embracing Opportunities

Abstract ―​

India has positioned itself as a pivotal leader in the Global South, advocating for the collective interests of developing nations while navigating its domestic priorities and international responsibilities. This paper explores India’s historical leadership rooted in its post-colonial vision, including its role in the Non-Aligned Movement and the Bandung Conference. It examines contemporary initiatives, such as India’s contributions to South-South cooperation through economic investments, technological collaboration, and diplomatic engagement in multilateral forums like BRICS and the G20. The paper also highlights the challenges India faces, including socio-economic disparities, geopolitical tensions, and climate vulnerabilities, which often constrain its capacity to act as a global leader. Despite these obstacles, India’s advancements in technology, renewable energy, and cultural diplomacy offer significant opportunities to strengthen its leadership within the Global South. By leveraging its growing economic and geopolitical influence, India can play a transformative role in addressing shared challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and health crises. This paper concludes that India’s dual role as a bridge between the Global South and the Global North underscores its potential to shape a more equitable and inclusive global order.