India has for long played a leading role in championing the causes of the developing world. The online Voice of the Global South summit hosted by New Delhi last week added to this legacy. Addressing the virtual conclave that had representatives from multiple countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America in attendance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the developed world to recognise, respect and respond to the needs of the Global South, while advocating for reforms of multilateral institutions. As India embarks on its presidency of the G20 group of nations over the next year, it was both a welcome and smart decision on the part of New Delhi to speak with other emerging economies and to listen to them. Yet, the true test of its diplomacy will lie in how India builds on this summit and incorporates the voice of the Global South in its leadership of the G20 in the coming months. Understandably, New Delhi has long wanted a seat at the global high table. Mr Modi’s government and the Bharatiya Janata Party have in particular been guilty of exaggerating the prime minister’s international influence. In the next few months, there will be several opportunities to pander to that narrative. But they could come at a cost, unless New Delhi is careful.

India must stay wary of efforts to co-opt it among the big boys of global politics and economics in exchange for sacrificing the interests of smaller developing nations. Indeed, in order to actually amplify the voices of the Global South at the G20 and other international platforms, Mr Modi’s government must be willing to take on the West — diplomatically — when differences arise. That will not always leave everyone in the room with smiles, or create photo opportunities that project Mr Modi as a leader everyone listens to. But India must remember that by representing a giant chunk of humanity instead of just its immediate interests, it strengthens its negotiating position and global standing. Those must not be given up for the sake of narrow political spin on Mr Modi’s global popularity. New Delhi must also be careful of its occasional penchant for boastfulness. If and when the G20 agrees to deals that benefit developing nations, it is important for New Delhi to avoid over-the-top chest-thumping. India can and should be the voice of the Global South. It must not make the Global South an excuse to just promote India’s voice.