India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (file photo)
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, stated on Saturday that nations across the Global South hold a high degree of trust and expectation in India.
Speaking to students at a university in Pune, Jaishankar explained that the term "Global South" primarily includes formerly colonized and developing nations, many of which are low-income countries. He emphasized that India has built significant goodwill among these nations by standing in solidarity with them during challenging times.
Jaishankar cited three recent instances that have strengthened India’s bond with the Global South, beginning with the country’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution. During the pandemic, while wealthier nations were stockpiling vaccines, India provided crucial vaccine doses to numerous Global South countries even as it continued vaccinating its own citizens. Jaishankar noted that this gesture left a lasting emotional impact worldwide.
He also highlighted India’s efforts to secure a seat for the African Union within the G20 during New Delhi’s recent presidency, an achievement the African nations had sought for years. “India has a conscience,” he said, explaining how India’s push for African representation at the G20 demonstrated the country’s commitment to equitable global governance.
The minister further referenced India’s balanced approach amid the Ukraine crisis, reinforcing India’s standing as a responsible global partner. Jaishankar noted that this combination of conscience, confidence, and commitment to equitable development has strengthened India's position as a trusted leader within the Global South.