Case for Global South-sensitive model of globalisation becoming stronger: Jaishankar

New Delhi, Jan 12 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the case for a Global South-sensitive model of globalisation is becoming stronger by the day and India stands for a shift from self-centred globalisation to one that is human-centred.

Addressing the Foreign Ministers’ Session at the Voice of Global South Summit, Jaishankar said the conference was conceived as a platform for developing countries to share their concerns, perspectives and priorities.

India clearly sees that the key concerns of the developing world are not being captured in G20 debates and discussions, he added.

“Whether it is the impact of the Covid pandemic, climate change, terrorism, ongoing conflicts and debt crises, the search for solutions does not give due weight to the needs and aspirations of the Global South. We therefore wanted to ensure that India’s G-20 presidency gathers that voice, the perspectives, the priorities of the Global South, and articulates that clearly in its debates,” Jaishankar said.

Noting that the world is becoming increasingly volatile and uncertain for the South, Jaishankar said the COVID-19 period has highlighted the danger of over-centralised globalisation and fragile supply chains.

“The knock-on effects of the Ukraine conflict were a further stress, especially on food, energy and fertiliser security. Capital flows started constricting even as debts mounted. International financial institutions and multilateral development banks have struggled to assess and address these concerns effectively. Concerns over a Covid resurgence are further dampening sentiment,” he said.

In the backdrop of unkept promises, developing countries are also expected to bear the burden of the developing climate resilience, industrialise without carbonising, deal with increasing climate events and lift millions out of poverty — all at the same time — while managing disruptions and uncertainties in global supply chains, Jaishankar said.
“Those who were promised an interconnected world now actually see a world with higher walls, insensitive to social needs and discriminatory in its health practices,” the minister added.

Jaishankar stressed that the case for a Global South-sensitive model of globalisation is becoming stronger by the day.

India stands for three fundamental shifts that can create a conducive environment and one of those is the model of globalisation — from self-centred globalisation to human-centred globalisation — he said.

This means shifting the focus more on development as a whole, he added.

The minister also called for a different approach to innovation and technology — from being on the receiving end of technological patronage to deploying Global South-led innovations for societal transformations.

On development cooperation, Jaishankar called for a shift from debt-creating projects to a demand-driven and sustainable development cooperation.

“We would also work towards de-centralising and de-risking globalisation. Such a model would offer greater opportunities to many more nations, including to all of you. It would entail a stronger desire to foster localisation, improve connectivity and reconfigure supply chains to ensure economic security,” he said.

Talking about innovation and technology, Jaishankar said India stands ready to share its experiences and expertise.

“In particular, we have deployed game-changing digital public goods in universal identification, financial payments, direct benefit transfer, digital health, commerce, industry and logistics. They will be both affordable and accessible to the Global South,” he said.

“We are also keen for an exchange of best practices between our countries. There is plenty that we can all learn from each other. India looks forward to simple, scalable and sustainable solutions from all over the Global South that can ensure the betterment of our people,” he said.

Jaishankar also highlighted that India has implemented development projects in 78 countries that are demand driven, transparent, empowerment oriented, environment friendly and rely on a consultative approach.

“All the while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he added.

Noting that India has also emerged as an education and healthcare hub for the Global South, Jaishankar said the country’s capacity-building programmes and first responder activities in case of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) situations are important examples of this approach.

The International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and now Mission LiFE, a worldwide programme to promote a climate-friendly lifestyle, are all proof of the priority that India accords in its diplomacy, he said.

“And of course, during Covid, we walked the talk of international cooperation by providing vaccines to over a 100 partners and medicines to over 150 countries,” Jaishankar said.