India's South-South Story Culture, Collaboration & A Common Future

In an era where borders blur with climate crises, global health emergencies, and shared digital frontiers, an idea from ancient Indian philosophy gaining renewed relevance is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the world is one family.

- Ashwajit Singh

Rooted in India’s philosophy and culture, this ancient Sanskrit phrase has come a long way from the pages of Maha Upanishads to the rostrum of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and to being celebrated at India’ G20 Summit.

A Legacy That Connects: A Vision That Leads

Long before trade routes were mapped or global summits were born, India’s civilizational values travelled across oceans and deserts - carried by sages, scholars, sailors, and stories. From Sanskrit verses in Bali to carvings in Angkor Wat, India’s historical and civilisational connections extended far beyond its land borders, with the Indian Ocean playing a pivotal role in spreading culture through trade and maritime diplomacy.

But today, that legacy is being rewritten.

Culture as India's Catalyst for the Global South

India’s engagement with the Global South is not transactional - it is transformational. Anchored in shared struggles, colonial histories, and the urgency of equitable progress, India champions a human-centric diplomacy with culture at its core. At the forefront of strategic development, particularly in the Afro-Asian region - India has cultivated a strong sense of shared identity and purpose through its historical connections, driving collaborative efforts for sustainable development, economic growth, and cultural exchange within the Global South. The integration of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 in September 2023 exemplifies India’s strategy to enhance representation for Africa -home to 1.48 billion people - in global cooperation, aside from South Africa, which has long been a G20 member.