SOUTH-SOUTH AND TRIANGULAR COOPERATION (SSTC)

Context
South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) enables developing nations to cooperate for mutual growth, sharing resources and expertise, with UN support; September 12 is celebrated as UN Day for South-South Cooperation.

Definition and Historical Background

South-South and Triangular Cooperation involves two complementary streams of collaboration:

• South-South Cooperation (SSC): Partnerships among developing nations to share knowledge, resources, and technology for mutual benefit.
   
• Triangular Cooperation (TrC): Involves the participation of developed countries, international organizations, or multilateral agencies, such as the World Food Programme, to support SSC efforts.
   

The foundation of this cooperation can be traced back to the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), 1978, which emphasized principles of solidarity, mutual respect, equality, and capacity building among developing nations.

Relevance and Goals of SSTC

SSTC has gained prominence due to shifting global development dynamics.
 Key Drivers of Relevance:

• Decline of Northern Aid: With developed countries such as the US and EU reducing their aid budgets, SSTC fills the gap through collective action.
   
• Addressing Global Challenges: It focuses on tackling pressing issues like climate change, inequality, malnutrition, poverty, and food insecurity, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
   
• Philosophical Alignment: The framework resonates with India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ("The world is one family"), emphasizing inclusivity and shared progress.
   

India’s Role in SSTC

India has emerged as a leading advocate of the Global South, actively contributing to South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
 Major Contributions:

• G20 Presidency (2023): India played a crucial role in ensuring the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20, amplifying the voice of developing countries.
   
• Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC): Established as a flagship program, ITEC engages with over 160 partner nations, focusing on technical training, capacity building, and institutional collaboration.
   
• India-UN Development Partnership Fund: Launched to support sustainable development projects, this fund has financed over 75 initiatives, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
   
• Digital Innovations: India has shared its Digital Public Infrastructure globally, including Aadhaar (digital identity) and the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) system, enabling financial inclusion and governance reforms.
   
• Food Security: India has maintained a partnership with the World Food Programme for more than six decades, contributing to global efforts in addressing hunger and nutrition challenges.
   

Strategic Importance of SSTC

• Empowering the Global South: It provides developing countries with collective bargaining power in global governance.
   
• Alternative Model of Development: Unlike donor-recipient models, SSTC is based on partnership, equality, and mutual learning.
   
• Geopolitical Relevance: With rising multipolarity, SSTC strengthens South-South solidarity against unilateral or protectionist approaches by developed economies.

Conclusion

South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) fosters solidarity and collaborative growth among developing nations, aligning with India’s leadership goals and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam ethos. SSTC offers a sustainable path to the 2030 SDGs as traditional aid declines.