New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged nations of the Global South to unite in addressing the pressing challenges of food and energy security, as well as the threats posed by terrorism and extremism. Speaking at the third edition of the Voice of Global South Summit, hosted virtually by India, Modi highlighted the growing “atmosphere of uncertainty” worldwide, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global conflicts.

In his opening address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for collective action and mutual support among developing countries. “It is the need of the hour that the countries of the Global South unite, stand together in one voice, and become each other’s strength,” he said, urging for shared learning and collaboration to overcome the shared challenges.

Modi announced India’s commitment to the Global South by pledging an initial contribution of USD 25 million to a newly established ‘Social Impact Fund’. This fund is aimed at accelerating the development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South, a sector Modi described as revolutionary in its potential to promote inclusive growth.

“Digital Public Infrastructure, or DPI, is playing a pivotal role in inclusive development,” Modi said, noting that India has already signed agreements to share its ‘India Stack’ digital solutions with 12 partner countries from the Global South. He also mentioned the Global DPI Repository, established under India’s G-20 presidency, as a significant achievement in fostering multilateral consensus on digital infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of global governance reforms, pointing out that institutions formed in the last century are struggling to address the complex challenges of the current era. “Global governance and financial institutions have been unable to effectively tackle the challenges of this century,” Modi asserted, calling for a unified voice from the Global South to reshape these structures.

During his address, Modi reflected on India’s efforts to prioritize the needs of the Global South throughout its G-20 presidency. He highlighted the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G-20 as a historic achievement that marked the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.

Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to environmental sustainability through the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) initiative, which promotes eco-friendly practices both domestically and internationally. The initiative prioritizes renewable energy and rooftop solar projects, particularly in partner countries across the Global South.

“Our partnership has made significant progress in areas such as education, capacity building, and skilling,” Modi noted, adding that India’s initiative to connect various countries with its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is another example of the tangible benefits of South-South cooperation.

The Voice of Global South Summit, conceived during India’s G-20 presidency, has emerged as a key platform for amplifying the concerns and aspirations of developing nations, particularly those from Africa and Asia. Modi’s address reflected a deepening of India’s engagement with these countries, as he reaffirmed his government’s dedication to fostering inclusive development and ensuring that the voices of two-thirds of humanity are heard on the global stage.

“The Voice of Global South Summit is a platform where we are giving voice to the needs and aspirations of those who have been unheard till now,” Modi concluded, expressing confidence in the strength of unity among developing nations.

India’s proactive role in the Global South, coupled with its focus on digital innovation and inclusive development, continues to solidify its position as a leader among developing nations, particularly as it champions their cause on international platforms like the G-20.