4.2. India’s Policy Towards the Global South

In addition to its political leadership in NAM, India also focused on economic diplomacy to secure development aid, trade partnerships, and foreign investments. The Indian diaspora in various countries, especially in the Middle East, the United States, and the United Kingdom, played a key role in fostering these ties.

This chunk discusses India's approach to engaging economically with developing countries in the Global South. It's important to understand that while India has political ties through its leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), it also prioritizes economic connections. These include securing development aid to help grow their economies, forming trade partnerships that benefit both India and its partners, and attracting foreign investments to boost local industries. The Indian diaspora, or the community of Indians living abroad, significantly aids this process by establishing business relationships and fostering cultural connections that facilitate collaborations.

Imagine a community that starts a college fund to support students who might not otherwise afford education. By focusing on creating connections with businesses and alumni who can donate or help these students find jobs, this community is investing in its own future. Similarly, India uses its diaspora to build its economic prospects in developing countries, making sure that both parties benefit from these connections.

India’s engagement with developing countries in the Global South centered on the South-South Cooperation strategy, which focused on mutual support and solidarity in addressing economic challenges and striving for a more equitable international order.

Here, we focus on the South-South Cooperation strategy that India employs. This strategy is about countries in the Global South—those that are still developing—helping each other. It emphasizes mutual support, meaning that countries will work together rather than solely relying on support from more developed nations. The aim is to tackle challenges such as poverty, economic instability, and social inequality collaboratively. By doing this, countries strive for a fairer international system in which developing nations have a bigger voice and a more significant role in global affairs.

Think of a group of students who work together to help one another with their studies rather than depending entirely on the teacher. By sharing notes, collaborating on projects, and even studying together for exams, they not only enhance each other's learning but also build stronger teamwork skills. In the same way, developing countries work together to improve their economies and influence international policies more effectively.

While the Look East policy officially began in the early 1990s, the foundations of India’s economic and strategic engagement with East and Southeast Asia were laid during the 1980s. India sought to expand its economic and trade relations with countries like Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations.

The Look East policy marks a significant shift in India’s foreign relations. Officially starting in the 1990s, this policy aimed to deepen India's ties with East and Southeast Asian nations, which are considered vital for economic growth and strategic partnerships. The groundwork for this initiative was laid in the 1980s when India recognized the potential benefits of engaging more closely with countries like Japan, South Korea, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This engagement focused on trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, enhancing India's presence in the rapidly growing economies of that region.

Imagine someone who decides to expand their circle of friends to include people from different schools or neighborhoods. By making new connections, they learn about new perspectives, cultures, and opportunities. Similarly, India chose to broaden its relationships in Asia to foster economic opportunities and cultural ties that would benefit the country in the long run.

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