Global South
Navigating the Seas of Global Diplomacy - A Glimpse into IORA, BRICS, and the Rise of the Global South
25 February 2024
The Indian Ocean, with its rich history and vital importance in global trade, has long been a nexus of cultural exchange and economic activity. Recognizing its significance, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is central to international cooperation and collaboration among the nations bordering this vast expanse of water. Led by President Ranil Wickramasinghe of Sri Lanka, the current presidency of IORA, the organization aims to harness the potential of the Indian Ocean for the benefit of its member states.
President Wickramasinghe, speaking at the International Oceans Conference held in Australia earlier this year, emphasized the interconnectedness of IORA member states and the importance of leveraging this connectivity for mutual growth and prosperity. Events, such as the World Trade Organization meeting currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE, a member of the IORA troika, played a pivotal role, underscore the organization's growing influence on the global stage.
One of the key platforms for dialogue and cooperation, which icludes IORA member states, is the annual Raisina Dialogue, hosted in New Delhi in partnership with India's External Affairs Ministry. This forum provides an opportunity for policymakers, scholars, and experts to address the pressing geopolitical challenges facing the Indo - Pacific region and beyond. As the world grapples with shifting power dynamics and evolving security threats, the Raisina Dialogue serves as a catalyst for collective action and strategic thinking.
In parallel, the expansion and rise of BRICS, the 10 nation bloc, represents a seismic shift in the global balance of power. Originally conceived as an economic bloc, BRICS has evolved into a multifaceted alliance encompassing political, strategic, and developmental cooperation. Led by leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, BRICS nations are increasingly asserting their influence on the world stage, challenging the traditional dominance of Western powers.
Prime Minister Modi's leadership, in particular, has garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally. With approval ratings nearing 80% according to various surveys and polls, Modi's bold vision for India's development and modernization has struck a chord with the public. Under his stewardship, India's economy has surged, with GDP growth exceeding 7% and the country ascending to the fifth position on the global economic index.
The success of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in steering India towards prosperity, is a sign of the growing momentum of the Global South—a diverse coalition of nations united by a shared commitment to charting their own course on the world stage. No longer content to be mere bystanders in global affairs, countries of the Global South are asserting their agency and reshaping the international order on their own terms.
Central to this paradigm shift is a re-evaluation of the traditional notion of Western hegemony. For too long, the so-called developed nations of the West have dominated global institutions and dictated the terms of international engagement. However, as the rise of IORA, BRICS, and other regional blocs demonstrate, power and influence are no longer monopolized by a select few.
Instead, a more multipolar world is emerging—one characterized by diversity, collaboration, and mutual respect among nations.
This shift is not merely symbolic, but has tangible implications for global governance and policymaking. As the voices of the Global South grow louder, the contours of international relations are being redrawn, with a renewed emphasis on inclusivity and equity.
The rise of IORA, BRICS, and the nations of the Global South heralds a new era of diplomacy and cooperation in the 21st century. Led by visionary leaders such as President Ranil Wickramasinghe and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these emerging powers are reshaping the geopolitical landscape and challenging outdated notions of power and privilege. As they chart a course towards a more equitable and sustainable future, the world watches with anticipation—and perhaps a touch of apprehension—as the winds of change sweep across the seas of global diplomacy.