New Delhi, Nov 17: The Global South should work towards self-reliance to mitigate various vulnerabilities as the Covid-era was a stark reminder of the “perils” of dependence for basic necessities on far away geographies, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.
Though Jaishankar did not make any specific references while making the remarks at the second virtual Voice of Global South summit, the comments are largely seen as a veiled dig at China as he also talked about reliability of supply chains and challenges of economic concentrations. He also said that there continues to be a “resistance” for a greater role for the Global South in shaping solutions for the key contemporary issues.
“We also need to work towards self-reliance to mitigate our vulnerabilities vis-a-vis economic concentrations. The Covid era is a stark reminder of the perils of dependence for basic necessities on far away geographies,” he said.
“We need to not only democratise and diversify production, but build resilient and reliable supply chains and promote local solutions. Only then can the Global South secure its future,” he said.
In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South.
As the G20 president, India has been focusing on issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access with an aim to benefit the Global South or the developing countries.
Jaishankar also talked about the growing stress on the global economy and the long-standing structural inequities.
“All of us are acutely aware of the growing stress on the international economy and global society. Longstanding structural inequities have been seriously aggravated by the devastation of the Covid pandemic,” he said. “This has been made still worse by the fuel, food and fertilizer crises emanating from the Ukraine conflict and its responses. Resource challenges, financial constraints, disrupted trade and climate events have added to our burdens,” he said.
“As a result, growth prospects are as daunting as the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) landscape is grim,” he added.
The external affairs minister also highlighted India’s development projects in 78 countries. (PTI)
