External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday interacted with the participants of the 3rd Global South Young Diplomats Forum (GSYDF), reiterating India's determination to champion, assert, and raise the voice of the Global South.
Sharing his exchange on social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar tweeted, "Pleased to have engaged with the participants of the 3rd Global South Young Diplomats Forum. Discussed the sentiment and solidarity propelling the Global South agenda. And India's unwavering commitment to articulate, assert and project the voice of the Global South."
The 3rd installment of the GSYDF was launched on Monday by Ambassador Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) of the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS). The program has been convened for 42 diplomats from 42 nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Eurasia, and Oceania.
At the first session, Ambassador Malhotra presented the background, priority, and growth path of the GSYDF and explained its institution-building experience since the beginning. Dean of SSIFS, Ambassador Raj Srivastava, spoke on the broad guidelines of Indian foreign policy, expounded on competency-based training at the institute, and demystified the significance of 'Theories of International Relations' in comprehending Global South dynamics. He gave an overview of the programme and wished the participants a fruitful fortnight in India.
Earlier in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed to India's international initiatives—namely Mission LiFE, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, and Global Biofuels Alliance—as those showing efforts toward promoting the interests of the Global South.
In an interview with Japan's top daily, The Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi said, "The international community has pledged to make the world a more just one through the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. If we have to fulfill this commitment, then priority should be accorded to the Global South.".
In a very interconnected world, we have witnessed the disabling effect of the pandemic, conflicts and disruptions in the supply chain on the Global South. They still grapple with multiple challenges related to global governance, climate change, food and energy security, debt and financial distress, all having a massive influence on their development agenda," he added.
Being a representative of the Global South, PM Modi mentioned that India comprehensively realizes these issues and their implications on people's lives, and has continuously endeavored to raise these concerns at the international level.
"Our G20 Presidency witnessed the addition of the African Union and voiced the hopes of the Global South. Likewise, in BRICS, we are increasingly involved in working for the interest of the Global South," PM Modi pointed out.
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