The world’s two most populous and influential nations, India and China are increasingly positioning themselves as champions of the “Global South.” India emphases on consensus-building and democracy versus China’s infrastructure-led diplomacy and economic might—reflect contrasting strategies and raise questions about legitimacy, influence, and global solidarity.

This dossier is on how both countries project themselves as leaders, how partners in the Global South perceive these claims, and what it means for global power dynamics. Through perspectives from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as a European lens, it explores the opportunities, tensions, and contested narratives shaping the future of South–South cooperation.