Leadership or Symbolism? Evaluating India’s Contradictions in Global South Diplomacy and Strategic Exclusions

Abstract

India’s self-positioning in the Global South faces substantial challenges and contradictions, limiting its capacity to assert genuine leadership. Although India has undertaken initiatives such as hosting the Voice of the Global South Summit and promoting priorities relevant to developing countries, these efforts are frequently manifested as symbolic gestures rather than producing significant and actionable outcomes. The dual role India seeks—acting as a leader in the Global South while simultaneously aligning closely with the United States in the Indo-Pacific strategy—creates inconsistencies within its foreign policy framework, thereby undermining its credibility on the global stage. Additionally, India’s decision to exclude key developing nations such as China, Pakistan, and Brazil from its Global South diplomacy further emphasizes the limitations of its approach. This exclusion not only reflects strategic miscalculations but also complicates India’s ability to effectively advocate for the interests of the Global South. As a result, India faces significant difficulties in reconciling its national interests with the collective aspirations of the Global South, which may hinder its potentiality to foster meaningful partnerships and promote a cohesive strategy for global governance. India’s contradictory foreign policy and exclusion of key developing nations undermine its aspirations for a cohesive Global South leadership.