Prime Minister's Visit to Brazil and Global South Outreach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extended visit from July 2 to 9, 2023, included destinations like Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia, centered on India's outreach to the Global South.

Context of the Global South Outreach

• India's pro-Israel stance post the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Gaza affected its relationships with Global South countries.
• This shift led to Pakistan defeating India in the UNESCO Executive Board vice chair election with Global South support.
• Participation at India's Second Voice of the Global South summit was lower compared to the first, reflecting this diplomatic shift.

Turn Away from Israel

• At the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in June 2024, India criticized Israeli operations in Gaza, signaling a shift to maintain leadership in the Global South.
• The BRICS declaration in Rio de Janeiro condemned military strikes on Iran and expressed concern over Gaza, showing India's strategic balancing.

Pakistan and Terror Concerns

• India's military actions against terror in Pakistan faced skepticism from the Global South, despite support from Israel.
• The BRICS Rio declaration condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and reaffirmed the commitment to combat terrorism, a diplomatic success for India.
• China's past resistance to sanctioning Pakistan-based terrorists was a challenge, but the Rio declaration marked a diplomatic win for India.