Reference News Network, July 6 report: The U.S. Foreign Policy website published an article titled "India Reaches Out to the Global South: Symbolic Solidarity or a Strategic Shift?" on July 2, authored by Professor Kashif Hassan Khan of the Alatau International University in Kyrgyzstan. The article excerpts are as follows:

On July 2, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his longest trip to date—eight days of travel across five countries, including Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. This transcontinental visit, described as reaching out with a hand of friendship to the Global South, highlights India's desire to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with countries often overlooked in traditional diplomacy. However, despite its ambitious plan, the timing, depth, and long-term substance of the initiative have raised doubts.

The Global South is a loose group—mainly countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—that are more connected by shared post-colonial trajectories and economic aspirations than by formal institutional alliances. India has long positioned itself as a defender of this group, especially since hosting the online "Voice of the Global South" summit in 2023. Yet, transitioning from ambitious leadership to delivering tangible results remains a formidable challenge.

Notably, the itinerary includes some countries rarely seen at the top of its diplomatic map. Ghana is a stable democracy and a key member of the Economic Community of West African States. Here, Modi will propose a digital cooperation initiative and establish a vaccine manufacturing center. While this builds on India's reputation during the pandemic era, execution remains a challenge in a region also being watched by China and the European Union.

Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, is a different case. Over 40% of its population is of Indian descent, descendants of indentured laborers from the colonial era. While cultural diplomacy will be showcased through Modi's speech to parliament in Port of Spain, critics argue that the focus on the diaspora often lacks meaningful follow-up in areas such as investment or technological collaboration.

In Argentina, India sees a rare opportunity to deepen bilateral relations with this lithium-rich country, which is crucial for global electric vehicle battery supply chains. Trade, mining, fintech, and defense cooperation are expected to be key agenda items. However, political turbulence under President Javier Milei has raised questions about the sustainability of this partnership.

The most notable stop on the trip is Brazil, where Modi will attend the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS has added six new members and is currently undergoing transformation. India supports reforms aimed at promoting trade in local currencies and expanding the voice of Global South countries in global institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. However, shifts in internal power dynamics within BRICS may limit India's maneuverability.

The final stop, Namibia, symbolizes India's efforts to expand digital technology diplomacy and wildlife diplomacy. The introduction of India's UPI digital payment system and renewed discussions on environmental protection illustrate how the country is combining financial technology with environmental soft power. However, in a region where the African Continental Free Trade Area is making progress and global players are increasing digital investments, India's late entry brings both challenges and opportunities.

Despite Modi's trip showing ambition, India's development cooperation projects are still not large enough compared to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Although India frequently issues various declarations, follow-up actions in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and capacity-building initiatives often lag behind. Emphasizing cultural ties and diaspora engagement is important, but critics warn that India is overly reliant on symbolism without a long-term economic plan.

Furthermore, India's claim to represent the Global South is sometimes undermined by contradictions within its own domestic policies. Civil society groups in Africa and Latin America are increasingly noticing these issues, viewing development cooperation as a two-way relationship based not only on technology but also on values.

This visit has also sparked speculation about "Modiism 3.0." "Modiism 3.0" is a new version of India's foreign policy, emphasizing solidarity with the Global South, technology-driven diplomacy, and reforming global governance. Whether this doctrine can be fulfilled and implemented after the summit remains an open question. (Translated by Xu Yanhong)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523896397901480499/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the [upvote/downvote] buttons below.