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NIGERIA: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Emphasizes Global South Mindset for Planetary Progress

S Jaishankar addresses Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, highlights the significance of solidarity and self-reliance in the Global South

Sentinel Digital Desk

NIGERIA: At the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the vital role of the Global South in planetary development. Jayashankar described the global South not only as a geopolitical ideology but as one of "ideology, solidarity and self-reliance."

According to S Jaishankar, the current global agenda focuses on restoring the world’s natural diversity and promotes the restoration of balance and plurality. He emphasized that if the global South had not developed, true global development would have remained elusive. The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by this global dialogue, which has often led to competing problems or agendas drifting away from it. Reflecting on India’s presidency of the G20, Jaishankar highlighted its achievement in reviving the Global South consciousness in terms of attractions. He described global rights as a concept based on fundamental principles such as non-interference, non-interference, irrationality and disproportionality.

Jaishankar elaborated on the Global South solidarity dimension, emphasizing the willingness to share and help. He contrasted India’s approach when distributing vaccines which supplied vaccines to 100 countries when vaccines were administered, which it was not willing to take will be involved in the global response even if it includes vaccines.

The Minister spoke about the transformation India has undergone in the last decade, and positioned itself as a role model, partner and supporter on the global stage. He emphasized the importance of Africa’s increasing presence in the evolving global system, contributing to the political and economic balance.

According to Jaishankar, the comprehensive global agenda is to restore the world to its natural diversity distorted during the hegemony of the West.He pointed out the contemporary challenges arising from historical hegemony and new economic pressures , where the dominant powers are reluctant to relinquish control.

Jaishankar concluded his speech during his visits to both Uganda and Nigeria. He arrived in Nigeria after attending the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Uganda, where he underlined India’s commitment to engage with countries in the Global South to foster a more equitable and diverse world order encouraged to India's commitment to engaging with nations in the Global South to foster a more equitable and diverse world order.