India, represented by External Affairs Minister (EAM)Dr S. Jaishankar, at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, reaffirmed itself as the prominent voice of the Global South. In his address, EAM Dr S. Jaishankar pointed out that the Global South was facing a “4F crisis-– of the security of food, fuel, fertiliser and finance.” Dr S. Jaishankar remarked: “The combined impact of a Super El Nino, compounding fertiliser shortages and now impediments to grain movements, all these are cause for alarm. Moreover, SDG progress is under increasing pressure. The Global South’s right to industrialise, is also undermined by non-market practices and market denial. The march of technology, that was meant to instill hope, has now become a source of anxiety. Misuse of AI is sharpening bias, and diluting mutual respect. These directions bode ill for the aims and objectives of the United Nations.”
Dr S. Jaishankar highlighted how India is at the forefront of South-South cooperation and stated that India had also supported 600 development projects in 78 countries, spanning clean energy, infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and information technology.The Indian EAM highlighted the Indian contribution in addressing food and medicine shortages, meeting energy and fertiliser needs, and supporting livelihood creation. Further stressing the growing importance of artificial intelligence as a central issue in contemporary global discussions, India’s hosting of the AI Summit earlier this year was highlighted. Dr Jaishankar emphasised that AI now constitutes an integral component in India’s engagement and cooperation with the Global South.
On the sidelines of the 81st UNGA, Dr Jaishankar also chaired the High-Level Ministerial Meeting of Like-Minded Global South Countries and Friends. The meeting took place on September 22, 2026, under the theme of “Navigating Together Towards a Brighter Future – the Compelling Case for an Empowered Global South”. In his address, Dr. Jaishankar highlighted seven issues facing the Global South that required attention. First, choke points must not be accepted or legitimised, be they in supply chains, finance or connectivity. Second, energy security was at the heart of development, and availability and prices should not be manipulated for political ends. Third, food security was a common goal, and challenges in that regard must be swiftly addressed, particularly the supply of grains and fertilisers. Fourth, fair economic and trade practices must be ensured to enhance production capabilities and not reduce countries to mere consumers, and their right to industrialise must not be denied. Fifth, the maritime commons must be secured, international law observed, and the safety and security of seafarers and commercial shipping guaranteed. Sixth, the transformation being brought about by Artificial Intelligence must not create new divides. Seventh, the Global South needed to be a part of decision-making structures that deliberated on issues directly pertaining to its future.
To make progress towards the priorities, DrJaishankar suggested a five-fold plan of action for consideration. First, the existing platforms should be used to highlight the concerns of the Global South, with a view to ensure that the concerns do not get deprioritise. Second, closer economic cooperation among Global South is necessary to buffer it against the fallout of overlapping global crises. Third, on Artificial Intelligence, there was a need to share indigenously developed tools and frameworks for the benefit of Global South members, and ensure that AI remains human-centric. Fourth, rather than relying solely on Global North, frameworks such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and others could bring about much needed progress on climate action. Finally, Dr Jaishankar highlighted that reform of the United Nations and multilateralism as a whole is essential to address the priorities of the Global South.
As the most articulate voice of the Global South, India continues to strive for a balanced, participatory, and just global governance architecture.
