Academic Discourse

This paper emphasizes a comprehensive take of the concept of the Global South—its historical emergence, evolution, and current relevance in global affairs and the role of India as an emerging face of the global south. It explores the ongoing structural transformation in the international order, marked by the weakening position of Western dominance and the rising prominence of the Global South. Central to this discussion is India’s growing leadership role within this geopolitical bloc. Prime Minister NarendraModi has emphasized that while the Global South has always existed geographically, it is now finding its voice through collective assertion and shared vision. [2nd Voice of the Global South Summit, 2023]. A notable aspect of this shift is the changing urban landscape; the pace of urbanization in the Global South has surpassed that of the Global North over the past five decades, signaling a meaningful reorientation in global development patterns. The paper also highlights insights from the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit, where the Indian Prime Minister stressed common priorities among more than 100 nations, particularly the need to address the unique challenges and opportunities of southern urbanization. Furthermore, India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023 significantly magnified the concerns and aspirations of the Global South on a global platform. Through this lens, the study underscores India’s emergence as a key actor forming the future trajectory of the Global South.