External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Monday said countries of the Global South expect India to stand up for and articulate their concerns on the global stage.
Addressing the concluding session of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, titled “India and the World: Adaptive by Design,” Jaishankar highlighted the challenges facing the Global South, including shortages and pressures related to food, fuel, fertiliser and finance.
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Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Jaishankar said the Global South expects India to articulate its concerns globally.
He highlighted food, fuel, fertiliser and finance as major concerns.
He stressed India’s multialignment approach and engagement with major powers.
He said the international order is becoming increasingly multipolar.
India is working with Russia and Ukraine on safe passage for grain and fertiliser shipments.
He said India has an emotional bond with the Global South as a post-colonial society and that countries of the region expect India to speak up for their rights and concerns.
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s approach of multialignment, which enables New Delhi to maintain relationships with major global powers, including the United States, Russia and China.
He said the global order is moving towards greater multipolarity and that its architecture is changing significantly. He stressed that India must remain adaptive and continue advancing its interests amid the current period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
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Why This Matters
India’s engagement with the Global South comes amid geopolitical tensions, disruptions to trade and shipping, and concerns over food, energy and fertiliser security.
The External Affairs Minister also said India is working with Russia and Ukraine to facilitate safe passage for grain and fertiliser shipments, linking the issue to food security concerns in the Global South.
The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave was held in New Delhi from October 3 to 5 under the overall theme “Resilience in an Age of Flux.” Jaishankar delivered the special concluding address on “India and the World: Adaptive by Design.”


