India as a Peacemaker: Examine India's proactive engagement as a peacemaker in international conflicts, with a particular focus on its diplomatic initiatives in resolving crises such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine disputes. Part 1

BRIG HEMANT MAHAJAN,YSM, 11 MAY 24

Uniting for Progress: Navigating Geo-Political and Security Challenges in the Global South

• If India can assist the Global South in articulating their challenges and devising practical solutions, it could contribute to making the prediction "this century belongs to Asia, and  years 2024-29 belongs to India" a reality.

• The concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्) or "The World is One Family," which says that all living beings on earth are a family, has been a favorite theme of Prime Minister Shree Narendra Modi. The theme and logo for India's G20 Presidency was "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "One Earth-One Family-One Future," which is considered the "Loftiest Vedantic Thought" according to the Bhagvad Gita. The goal of the various conferences and meetings held in India is to address the security challenges faced by Global South countries and find practical solutions to resolve them.

• As the world confronts the threat of global stagflation,India is among the few countries that have the potential to emerge as a winner in this situation.The G-20 meetings scheduled for 2023 provide a significant opportunity to promote "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and provide practical solutions to the challenges of the 21st century, which affect the world as a whole and the Global South, in particular. As the host, India has the opportunity to implement successful solutions and achieve pragmatic targets that will benefit humanity.

• Despite having various forums such as the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Security Council, and other UN bodies that are meant to discuss and solve world challenges, they have unfortunately turned into battlegrounds for powerful countries such as the USA, China, Europe, and other developed nations. These powerful nations often use their veto power to safeguard their national interests, leaving little room for issues related to the Global South and other regions to be discussed.

• This situation needs to change, and as the G-20 President, India must find practical solutions to the challenges faced by the Global South. India aims to address this issue in various G20 meetings scheduled throughout the country in 2023.

• This paper explores the fundamental principles of India's ancient wisdom and identifies areas where India's G20 Presidency could offer a distinctive and crucial contribution to the global community. By providing a unique leadership approach, India can showcase its leadership qualities in style and content, emphasizing the importance of pragmatism, global justice, and sustainable development.

• As part of my mandate, I have been assigned to focus on the geopolitical, defense, and security challenges confronting Global South countries, and to provide recommendations for overcoming them. 

For understanding security challenges divided Global South Countries into:-

Pacific/Oceania Island States, 

• ASEAN Countries, 

• South And Central America Countries

• African Countries. 

GLOBAL SOUTH  CHALLENGES

• Geo political challenges facing Global South Countries.

• Security Challenges facing Global South Countries.

• Countering Chinese Political Warfare Against Pacific/Oceania Island States.

• Security Challenges Faced By ASEAN Countries.

• Security Challenges Faced By Countries Of South And Central America. 

• Security Challenges Faced By Island Nations Of Indo Pacific/Oceania.

• Security Challenges Faced By African Countries.

• Action Plan & Summary of Recommendations.

Geo political challenges that Global South Countries Face

• The term "Global South" generally refers to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It is part of a group of terms, including "Third World" and "Periphery," used to describe regions outside Europe and North America, typically characterized by low-income and often politically or culturally marginalized communities. 

• These regions face a host of geopolitical challenges, including economic underdevelopment, political instability, environmental degradation, social inequality, poverty, economic inequality, discrimination, and climate change. Overcoming these challenges will require a multifaceted approach that involves addressing economic, social, and environmental concerns, promoting political stability and good governance, and fostering international cooperation and solidarity.

Overcoming Geopolitical Challenges, Of Global South-Benefiting Because Of Geopolitics Rather Than Fighting Over It.

• It is crucial to strike a balance of interests and foster cooperation among nations to ensure that all countries can benefit from geopolitics. To promote cooperation and prevent conflicts, some potential strategies include:

• Dialogue and diplomacy. 

• Multilateralism.

• Promoting economic integration. 

• Respect for international law.

• Strengthen democratic institutions.

• Addressing economic inequalities:

• Addressing climate change, environmental degradation. 

• Promoting social justice and inclusion.

• Resist external interference.

• Increase regional cooperation.

• Promote environmental sustainability.

• Overcoming the geopolitical challenges faced by the Global South will necessitate a collaborative endeavor involving governments, civil society organizations, and the international community, with India at the forefront.

Security Challenges Faced By South Asian and ASEAN Countries

• These are maritime disputes, terrorism, cyber security, military modernization, overcoming these challenges can be done by the following:-

• Diplomacy and dialogue.

• Counter terrorism cooperation. 

• Cyber security cooperation.

• Confidence-building measures. 

ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO)  

• During the 25th meeting of the ASEAN Political and Security Council in Phnom Penh, a in November 2022, Indonesia's foreign minister, The following recommendations were made: 

• Promotion of multilateral cooperation.

• Advancement of a rules-based order.

• Tackling common challenges.

• Encouraging dialogue and confidence-building measures.

• The AMO would serve as a platform for ASEAN member states and India to enhance the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically in the South China Sea.