India held the third Voice of Global South Summit on August 17 2024, with 123 countries participating in the virtual event, while China and Pakistan were notably absent from the list of those nations invited. The summit, aimed at addressing challenges faced by developing nations, particularly those in Africa, saw discussions led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was attended by 21 heads of state and government, PTI reported.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at a press conference following the summit, confirmed the participation numbers, highlighting the presence of 34 foreign ministers and 118 other ministers across 10 ministerial sessions.

The event underscored India’s role as a leading voice for the Global South, a position it has been solidifying over recent years. One of the primary focal points of the summit was climate change, with leaders expressing concern over the issue. The debt burden of many countries and the impact of emerging technologies also featured prominently in the discussions. According to Jaishankar, there was a consensus on the need to reform global governance structures, with particular attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Prime Minister Modi, in his closing remarks, proposed a "Global Development Compact" that would be grounded in India’s development experiences and partnerships. He emphasised that this compact would aim to avoid the pitfalls of development finance that burdens recipient nations with debt. Modi announced India’s intention to launch a $2.5mn trade promotion fund and an additional $1mn for training in trade policy and negotiations, ANI reported.

The summit also delved into broader geopolitical concerns, with several leaders addressing the situation in Gaza and the Israel - Hamas conflict, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conversations reflected a strong desire among Global South nations for greater sovereignty and reduced interference from global powers. Jaishankar noted that the sentiment for United Nations reform was growing, with many leaders calling for a more inclusive and democratic process in global decision-making. He also pointed out that the discussions touched upon the challenges of terrorism and extremism, which remain critical issues for many nations in the Global South.

The Voice of Global South Summit, which began as an initiative under Modi’s vision of inclusive development, has quickly become a significant platform for countries in the Global South to voice their concerns and priorities. The next summit, scheduled to be held at the United Nations, could be a key milestone in advancing these discussions further.