Crystallising The Global South: PM Modi's Vision For A New World Order
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recently concluded foreign tour, from July 2 to 9, covering two continents and five nations, was the longest such trip undertaken in ten years. The pace was unchanged. It was relentless and focused on realising India's strategic and national interest goals. Apart from the many gains it made for India and for her global partnerships at many levels, this trip was crucial and symbolic on an important count. It served to reiterate and crystallise the philosophy and vision of the 'Global South", consistently articulated by PM Modi over the last five years.
Pursuing India's strategic and foreign policy goals and articulating a vision for a new global discourse and paradigm went hand in hand during PM Modi's interactions and addresses on this long tour. The hard interests and dealings were not neglected. In fact, under Modi in the last decade, they have never been given up or jettisoned, while the deeper vision that can effectuate a global shift and change in the emerging new order was also stated through PM Modi's emphasis on the 'Global South" paradigm.
In the last decade, PM Modi has retrieved Indian diplomacy from this mindset which saw national interest as a secondary concern. He has made national interest the driving force and the touchstone of India's diplomacy.
'Protection and promotion of national interests" has become the primary focus of India's diplomacy under PM Modi. It is, as we argued in our assessment of PM Modi's foreign policy in 2016, just two years after he assumed office, the foundational pillar of the 'Modi Doctrine." It signified a definite paradigm shift from Panchsheel to Panchamrit. Jawaharlal Nehru's Panchsheel was not backed by force and conviction; it was driven by defenseless pacifism.
Modi's Panchamrit is backed by strength, is dynamic and aims to see India emerge as a major power — a power that matters. It is the foundation of PM Modi's diplomacy. PM Modi's Panchamrit foreign policy, as we had argued, stands on five pillars: Samman (dignity and honour), Samvad (greater engagement and dialogue), Samriddhi (shared prosperity, Suraksha (regional and global security), Sanskriti evam Sabhyata (cultural and civilisational linkages). It is a crystallised foreign policy doctrine and has had an effect and visibility on the ground.
Let us look at some of these dimensions. Operation Sindoor reiterated PM Modi's commitment to the 'Suraksha" dimension. Surgical strikes in response to the Uri terror attack in September 2016, Pulwama in 2019, and Pahalgam in 2025 have seen a quantum leap in technique and resolve. The ability and willingness to strike — as distinct from the strike itself — had left the world watching. No country disputed India's right to strike to safeguard her security imperatives. It displayed the effectiveness of the Suraksha dimension and the commitment to it in the Modi Doctrine-driven foreign policy.
The Suraksha dimension has been clearly visible in India's response to Chinese adventurism in Doklam and Galwan. India dug in her heels and held her ground. Eventually, Samvad over the last few years, held on India's terms, has seen a movement forward on the China front. The resumption of the Kailas Mansarovar Yatra is one of the signs of that renewed momentum.
The emphasis on Suraksha in the Modi Doctrine is also visible in India's determined and persistent stand that terrorism and its sources need to be called out globally. Prime Minister Modi's unambiguous stand on international forums has elicited wide global support. His emphasis that condemnation of terrorism 'must be our principle, not a mere convenience" at the recently held BRICS summit received endorsement. The Rio de Janeiro 'Declaration – Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance" came out strongly against the Pahalgam terror attack and spoke of combating terrorism in all forms, 'including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens." It also urged all members to ensure 'zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism."
The Sanskriti and Sabhyata – cultural and civilisational linkages – dimension has been most visible of late in the mega 'Dhammayatras" with Lord Buddha's sacred relics, undertaken over the last few months in the Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia. After a massive congregation in Thailand in February 2024, the sacred relics Dhammayatra in Vietnam in May 2025 saw over 14 million people congregate across various cities and from neighbouring countries to venerate and worship. Never since Samrat Ashoka's time has India undertaken such a civilisational Dhammayatra of such magnitude. With PM Modi's personal involvement, in pursuit of the vision of the 'Asian Century" inspired by the legacy and message of Buddha, such a Dhammayatra reflects India's aspiration to renew special civilisational linkages and of her emergence as Viswamitra.
PM Modi's visit to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple at Anuradhapura in April this year demonstrated the commitment in the Modi Doctrine to renewing and relaying civilisational and cultural linkages under a new rubric. These symbolise India's commitment to relationships defined by compassion, prosperity, and possibilities — a commitment to partnerships that are beneficial and non-exploitative.
PM Modi's vision of the 'Global South" is driven by the essence of the Viswamitra narrative. The Modi Doctrine does not speak of India's prosperity and progress alone; it advocates shared prosperity and a shared future. It envisages shared zones of prosperity. During his five-nation tour, PM Modi consistently spoke of the voice of the 'Global South." It was a tour that, among other things, further crystallised the 'Global South" framework for engagement over the next decade. He had earlier defined its core philosophy when he argued that 'Most of the global challenges have not been created by the Global South. But they affect us more" and that 'the search for solutions also does not factor in our role or our voice."
In this pan-continent tour, PM Modi reiterated this message of the need to search for global solutions by factoring in the role of the 'Global South" — which is perhaps the most defining and future-oriented global narrative that can shape and influence the emerging new order. In the last decade, the narrative of the 'Global South" is thus among the most crucial additions to the Modi Doctrine.
The author is chairman, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation, and a member of the National Executive Committee, BJP. The views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views.
tags :
pm narendra modi
view comments
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 23, 2025, 14:51 IST
News opinion Opinion | Crystallising The Global South: PM Modi's Vision For A New World Order
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
28 minutes ago
- First Post
India-China ties changing: 4 signs, 1 challenge
After a five-year hiatus triggered by the 2020 border standoff, India and China are burying the hatchet, driven by mutual interest and global pressures read more Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in informal setup in 2019 India and China, two of Asia's giants, have been navigating a complex relationship since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash. However, recent developments signal a cautious warming of ties, driven by mutual interest and global pressures, though challenges remain. Here are four indicators of improving relations and one significant hurdle that persists. 1) India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals After a five-year hiatus triggered by the 2020 border standoff, India has reinstated tourist visas for Chinese citizens, a move aimed at mending strained ties. The announcement, shared by the Indian embassy in Beijing, was reported by China's state-owned Global Times. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called it a 'positive move,' expressing China's willingness to enhance 'facilitation of people-to-people exchanges.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visa suspension, along with restrictions on Chinese investments and apps, followed the 2020 clash that resulted in casualties on both sides. 2) Jaishankar's landmark visit to China External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to China from July 13-15 marked a significant diplomatic milestone, the first such trip since the 2020 standoff. Meeting President Xi Jinping, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Vice President Han Zheng before attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Council of Foreign Ministers, Jaishankar noted that both nations have made 'good progress' in normalising relations over the past nine months. He emphasised that maintaining peace along the border is the 'fundamental basis for mutual strategic trust' and called for further de-escalation. 3) China issues 85,000 visas for Indian pilgrims In a reciprocal gesture, China issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2025, particularly for those visiting sacred sites like Mansarovar. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong announced on X, 'As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens travelling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China.' This surge in visas, following troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh, further signals the strengthening of people-to-people ties. 4) Push for direct flight resumption Both nations have agreed to restore direct flights and mutual travel, suspended since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent border clash. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated, 'The two sides agreed to take additional practical steps, including travel to each other's country and direct flight connectivity, for facilitating people-to-people exchanges.' While China's foreign ministry statement omitted mention of flights, the agreement reflects a shared interest in easing travel barriers between the world's most populous neighbours. The challenge: Reluctance to share technology Despite these positive steps, a key obstacle remains: Chinese companies' reluctance to share technology and data, the same attitude shown by their Western counterparts. This poses a significant challenge to deeper economic collaboration, testing India's diplomatic finesse. As both nations navigate this issue, India's scepticism about China's intentions, given its history as a hostile, irresponsible and unpredictable neighbour, underscores the need for careful engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump factor- a peace initiative he never takes credit for US President Donald Trump is often visibly eager to claim credit for peace initiatives across the globe in a bid to reinforce his nomination for Nobel Peace Prize. However, the ongoing reconciliation between the two Asian neighbours is something Trump never would brag about. It's Trump's unpredictable policies that have forced Beijing and New Delhi to step closer despite their shared concerns. Recently, China's open support to Pakistan in the four-day standoff with India angered many in New Delhi. However, that frustration didn't culminate in a setback for Sino-Indo ties. India is selectively engaging with Chinese firms while diversifying its economic resources, balancing cooperation with strategic caution.
Indian Express
28 minutes ago
- Indian Express
PM Modi's engagement with the Maldives shows India is playing the long game
Written by Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26. The visit comes against the backdrop of the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, pushing for a recalibration with India. Driven by economic necessities, India's pragmatic outreach, and China's underwhelming support, he has moderated his 'India Out' policy and rhetoric and toned down his unconditional allegiance to China. Given the backdrop, the visit is a strong symbolic message of Delhi's persistent influence in the country. Besides, it has also laid the ground for New Delhi's long game in the Maldives. By pushing for economic and financial connectivity, especially with the Indian Rupee, and doubling down on political engagement, India is creating new leverage. During PM Modi's visit, both leaders reviewed the entire gamut of relations and agreed to strengthen the multifaceted relationship by implementing the Joint Vision Document. They also inaugurated several India-funded projects, including roads and drainage in Addu city, the Ministry of Defence building, and six High Impact Community Development Projects. India also handed over 72 vehicles for the Maldives National Defence Force, 2 BHISHM Health Cube sets, and 3,300 housing flats. Additionally, they signed four MoUs to further cooperation in pharmacopoeia, meteorology, fisheries, and digitalisation. Most importantly, both countries have signed four agreements on financial and economic connectivity, as the Maldives faces debt distress and declining foreign reserves. As of March 2025, the Maldives has a debt of $9.4 billion, of which nearly 60 per cent is in US Dollars. However, the government continues to struggle with low foreign reserves. Currently, it has a reserve of a mere $850 million, and this year alone, the government will have to service over $600 million, along with maintaining its imports. Next year, it will have to service over $1 billion. Maturing debts, specifically bonds (domestic and external) and Chinese loans, have continued to deplete foreign reserves. China's loans have declined from $613 million in 2021 to $473 million in 2025, and its sovereign guarantees have reduced to $567 million. This has left India as the largest bilateral creditor to the country, especially with loans, currency swaps, and credit lines (LOC) taken under the previous government now maturing. Debts from EXIM India have increased from $15 million in 2021 to $572 million, and the sovereign guarantee is at $608 million. To complicate matters, more than $800 million of Indian loans committed are yet to be disbursed. With a looming economic crisis and increasing Indian debts, India and the Maldives signed an amendatory agreement to close the previous LOC. This will be replaced by a Rupee-denominated LOC worth Rs 4,850 crore (equivalent to $565 million), reducing the Maldives' debt obligations by 40 per cent, from servicing $51 million to $29 million annually, and easing the pressure of depleting US Dollar reserves and overall debts. Another major agreement was the implementation agreement on Unified Payment Interface (UPI). This, together with the RuPay card introduced in October 2024, will boost direct transactions between countries. These developments build on the finalisation of the local currency settlement system. Henceforth, India and the Maldives can now trade and allow tourists, diaspora, and businesses to make cross-border payments in local currencies (Rupees and Rufiyaa) rather than in US Dollars. Both countries also finalised the terms of reference for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and formally commenced negotiations on the agreement. With the FTA reducing trade barriers and boosting trade, Indian commodities will become cheaper in the Maldives. India is one of the Maldives' largest trade partners. While their trade is worth $680 million, India exports goods worth $561 million. Earlier, the Maldives would have imported goods from India using US Dollars; they can now do the same with the Indian Rupee, which the Maldives can tap from the currency swap, credit line, and direct transactions. This will help ease pressure on the economy and reduce the outflow of the US Dollar. The FTA will also likely be complemented with a bilateral investment treaty, creating new economic leverage for India. Learning lessons from the past, India also doubled down on its engagements across party lines. During his visit, PM Modi met prominent figures from the ruling party, including those who played a crucial role in the 'India Out' campaign and are close to China. These engagements also included bilateral meetings with the President, the Vice President, and the Speaker of the parliament. Modi also held a meeting with prominent figures from the Jumhooree Party, Maldives National Party, and Maldives Development Alliance. Separate meetings were held with the main Opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party, and former President Mohamed Nasheed. These engagements underline India's attempts at making relations non-partisan and resilient to turbulent domestic politics. PM Modi's latest visit to the Maldives shows that India is letting bygones be bygones, and is more optimistic about the future. There is confidence that the Maldives will understand that regional security is an issue of mutual interest. However, there are some problems. For India, the Maldives' economic stability remains a major challenge. On its part, Malé will continue to engage with Beijing to seek assistance and investments in order to diversify and not become over-reliant on India. Discussions of loan restructuring with China began in January 2024 and have shown little progress, further nudging Muizzu to engage with the country. India, therefore, should not let its guard down. The writer is an associate fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme's Neighbourhood Studies Initiative
Deccan Herald
28 minutes ago
- Deccan Herald
Xenophobic persecution of Bengali migrant workers
The Indian government's actions are creating a new deportation and detention policy that will disproportionately impact its own citizens who speak Bengali. Samata Biswas
