Answer

Introduction

The Western-led global order faces a legitimacy crisis, marked by trade wars and disregard for international law. By 2025, over 60 Global South nations have voiced concerns at the UNGA about unilateral sanctions and media manipulation. India and Iran, with shared anti-colonial histories, are leading the push for a multipolar world through South-South cooperation.

Body

Challenges to the Western-led Global Order

• Erosion of International Law and Multilateralism: Unilateral actions and selective enforcement undermine global trust in institutions.
  Eg: US withdrawal from key multilateral agreements and persistent vetoes at UNSC have weakened conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Weaponisation of Trade and Sanctions: Economic sanctions are increasingly used to exert political control over developing nations.
  Eg: Iran’s economy has lost over $200 billion due to unilateral sanctions between 2012-22.
• Media and Cognitive Manipulation: Western dominance over media distorts narratives and marginalises Global South perspectives.
• Climate Injustice and Environmental Exploitation: Developing nations bear disproportionate costs of climate change without fair financing.
  Eg: Loss and Damage Fund pledges (COP28) remain under 30% of estimated needs for Global South nations.
• Technological and Financial Monopoly: Control over critical technologies and global finance restricts independent development.
  Eg: The U.S. leads AI fintech patents with a 45% global share, followed by China at 38%.
• Geopolitical Militarisation and Proxy Conflicts: Western interventions often fuel instability in West Asia and South Asia.
  Eg: Support for regime change in Syria, Iraq and Yemen has intensified displacement crises 

How India and Iran Can Contribute through South-South Cooperation

• Strengthening Multilateral Forums (BRICS, NAM, SCO): Promoting inclusive decision-making and de-dollarisation in trade and finance.
  Eg: BRICS+ expansion in 2024 (including Iran) represents 45% of global oil production and around 40% of global trade.
• Advancing International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Enhancing connectivity for trade and energy flow across Eurasia and Africa.
  Eg: INSTC aims to reduce the carriage cost between India and Russia by about 30%.
• Promoting Peaceful Nuclear Energy and Technology Sharing: Ensuring energy security and technological independence for the Global South.
• Cultural and Civilisational Diplomacy: Leveraging shared heritage to counter cultural hegemony and foster dialogue.
• Coordinated Stand on Palestine and Regional Stability: Advocating for sovereign equality and territorial integrity in conflict zones.
  Eg: India supported UN resolution for immediate ceasefire in Gaza; Iran leads regional mediation efforts.
• Joint Defence and Security Cooperation: Countering external interference and supporting indigenous regional security architecture.
• South-South Science & Technology Collaboration: Developing indigenous innovation ecosystems to reduce Western technological dependence.
  Eg: ISRO–Iran cooperation on satellite data sharing (2025) for disaster resilience in the region.

Conclusion

The Western-led order is weakening as the Global South seeks equality and sovereignty. India and Iran can shape a fairer system through BRICS, INSTC, and South-South partnerships. Their shared values of justice and non-domination offer a roadmap for an inclusive global order.

DOWNLOAD PDF