5 Days, 4 Awards: PM Modi’s Rise as Trusted Leader of Global South
PM Narendra Modi has been vocal about the issues of the Global South at all multilateral forums and has sought an approach to solve these issues.
The Global South now views Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its most reliable spokesperson. At every global event, the Prime Minister has been outspoken about the problems facing the Global South and has looked for a solution. Through his foreign policy, India has established itself as a reliable voice for the Global South.
In just five days, three nations awarded PM Modi the highest honor, and one gave him the second-highest honor, demonstrating his status as the most reliable voice in the Global South.
“PM Modi Receives Highest Honors from Four Nations for Leadership and Support”
Irfaan Ali, the president of Guyana, had earlier welcomed PM Modi warmly by breaking all the rules and welcoming the Indian prime minister and his fellow cabinet members on the tarmac. Later, Barbados’s Mia Mottley and Grenada’s Dickon Mitchell served as prime ministers. At a Georgetown hotel, four Guyanese ministers also welcomed PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi has received the highest honor from four nations both before and during his tour. The first is Dominica, which celebrated PM Modi’s efforts to the country during COVID-19 by announcing an award. India sent 70,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccinations in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award also recognized PM Modi’s leadership in advancing global efforts to promote climate resilience and sustainable development.
“PM Modi Honored by Nigeria, Guyana, and Barbados for Strengthening Ties”
During PM Modi’s official visit, Nigeria bestowed the national honor of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Sunday. Queen Elizabeth II was the sole foreign dignitary to receive the honor in 1969. India sent 20 tons of flood relief humanitarian aid prior to PM Modi’s visit. In Nigeria, about 200 Indian businesses are operating and creating jobs. Nigeria is battling terrorist organizations like Boko Haram with assistance from India. India provided capacity training programs and $100 million in concessional loans as developmental aid.
PM Modi received Guyana’s highest honor, the Order of Excellence. now one of the world’s newest energy powerhouses, discovered oil reserves estimated at 11 billion barrels. Guyana and India signed a hydrocarbon cooperation agreement for sourcing, exploration, and refining of crude oil.
Beyond energy, India has strengthened defense cooperation with Guyana by training its defense personnel under the ITEC Scheme and supplying the Guyana Defence Force with two Dornier 228 aircraft. The Indian government’s $23.37 million Defence Line of Credit (LoC) included the delivery of the two aircraft.
Barbados will confer the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom’ award on PM Modi.
“PM Modi’s Efforts to Strengthen Global South Ties and Drive Sustainable Development”
In order for all sides to resume communication and diplomacy and find ways to put an end to the conflict, Prime Minister Modi visited Russia for the first time after taking office for the third time in 2024, and then Ukraine for a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The effect that war has on emerging economies is the only explanation that India has offered since the beginning. PM Modi discussed the detrimental effects of war on nations in the Global South, even at global gatherings.
India took over the G20 Presidency during a period of global productivity and growth slowdown. During the Indian G20 Presidency, PM Modi introduced his human-centric globalization philosophy, his one-world, one-family, one-future vision, and his focus on digital public infrastructure. India’s ability to elevate the voices of the Global South, especially by bringing the African Union on board as a permanent G20 member, was one of the major accomplishments of its presidency.
“India’s Global South Engagement: Pioneering Development and Sustainability Initiatives”
In keeping with the legacy of India’s G20 chairmanship, Brazil established the Global Hunger and Poverty Alliance during its chairmanship. India has established a new standard for broader interaction with the Global South. India has used five distinct approaches to connect with nations in the Global South: grants, trade and development, technology transfer, capacity building, and concessional financing.
With rooftop solar panels and solar farms, India is encouraging renewable energy, reviving the SDGs, and emphasizing Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE). Under the idea of “One World One Health,” India has likewise placed a strong emphasis on “Arogya Maitri.” India helps the Pacific Island nations and Africa by constructing Jan Aushadhi Kendras and hospitals. Whether in Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Gaza, Turkey, Nigeria, or Ukraine, India has become the first to respond to humanitarian catastrophes. India is pushing for last-mile connectivity and financial inclusion through digital public infrastructure and UPI.
$1 million for trade policymaking training and $2.5 million for a special capacity building fund have been announced. Additionally, India announced the establishment of a Social Impact Fund with a $25 million first commitment. India presently gives about $7.5 billion a year to a number of partner nations in the Global South, according a RIS report.
