India’s relations with China and Pakistan are currently at an all-time low, and neither country participated in the Voice of Global South Summit hosted virtually by India on Saturday. The summit brought together leaders and ministers from 123 countries to discuss key challenges facing developing nations.
During a media briefing, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that China and Pakistan were not invited to the third edition of the summit, and they were also absent from the two previous summits held last year. Jaishankar clarified that China was not invited, stating, “Were they invited, the answer is no.”
The summit saw participation from 123 countries, with 21 leaders joining the leaders’ session and 118 ministers attending various sessions focused on issues such as digital development, trade, and health. Additionally, 34 countries took part in two sessions dedicated to foreign ministers.
Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, spoke during the leaders’ session about the situation in his country following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, as well as global challenges like geopolitics, Covid-19, and climate change.
Jaishankar noted that terrorism and extremism were highlighted as challenges for the Global South during the foreign ministers’ sessions, which also addressed issues such as debt burdens, liquidity crises, and the need for more lending opportunities for developing countries.
The topic of “political interference” was raised by several countries during the summit, with Jaishankar acknowledging it as a significant concern but providing no further details. The need for United Nations reform was also discussed, with Jaishankar advocating for text-based negotiations and voting on the future of the UN.
Jaishankar emphasized that while perfect unity among the nearly 190 countries in the world is not expected, the reform process has been “unduly and unfairly blocked.” He added that as India’s capabilities and economic influence continue to grow, the country will face increased responsibilities and expectations, particularly from the Global South.