03-July-2025 Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Evaluate India’s evolving development cooperation strategy with the Global South in light of shrinking global ODA and debt crises.
(GS Paper 2 – International Relations, 15 Marks, 250 Words)

Answers:

India’s development cooperation strategy has increasingly positioned it as a credible development partner to the Global South, especially as traditional sources of Official Development Assistance (ODA) face constraints and global debt burdens rise.

Evolving Strategic Approach

• India’s strategy has transitioned from a focus on concessional lines of credit to a more diversified portfolio including grants, technical assistance, and digital platforms.
• Through initiatives like the Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) and ITECC (India-Technical and Economic Cooperation), India supports institutional capacity-building, skilling, and digital infrastructure.
• The proposal for a Global Development Compact (GDC) at G20 aims to coordinate India’s new-age modalities of cooperation beyond traditional aid.

Addressing the ODA and Debt Gaps

• India offers non-debt creating support like training programs, e-governance tools, and local capacity-building—appealing to nations wary of debt traps.
• In contrast to China’s infrastructure-heavy and loan-based approach, India promotes demand-driven, transparent, and inclusive development assistance.
• The emphasis is on South-South cooperation, technology transfer, and mutual benefit, aligning with global calls for reforming development finance architecture.

Conclusion

As global ODA shrinks and debt crises worsen, India’s adaptive, partnership-based model rooted in solidarity and mutual growth offers a pragmatic alternative. By focusing on sustainability, digital innovation, and human-centric support, India strengthens its leadership in shaping equitable global development norms.

Read More – 02 July 2025: Daily Answer Writing