South-South Triangular Cooperation:

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An overview

What is SSTC?

South-South cooperation (SSC): Refers to the exchange of resources, technology, knowledge and expertise among developing countries (Global South) to promote self-reliance and collective growth.

Triangular cooperation: Involves a third party — traditionally a developed country, multilateral organisation or donor agency — working in partnership with two or more developing countries to support SSC.

SSTC: Thus, SSTC is a hybrid model that combines the solidarity and mutual support of the Global South with the resources, technical expertise and financial backing of developed countries or international institutions.

In simple terms: SSTC = Developing countries + Developing countries + Developed country/agency.

Formation and evolution

Origin of SSC: Emerged in the 1950s, consolidated during the 1960 Bandung Conference (Asian-African solidarity).

Institutionalisation: The 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) under UN framework is the cornerstone of SSC.

SSTC: Evolved more prominently in the 1990s and 2000s, as the UN and donor agencies began supporting SSC through triangular arrangements.

There is no single date of “formation”, since it’s a process, but it gained momentum under the UN Development Cooperation Forum and the High-level United Nations Conferences on South-South Cooperation (BAPA+40 in 2019).

Aims and functions 

Aims:

• Promote collective self-reliance among developing nations
• Reduce dependence on North-South aid
• Strengthen capacity building through sharing of best practices, technology and development experiences
• Facilitate inclusive global governance by giving the Global South more agency
• Bridge resource gaps via collaboration with developed countries or multilateral organisations

Functions:

Knowledge and technology transfer

Development financing and capacity building

Joint initiatives in health, agriculture, energy, digital economy and climate change

Building negotiating power in global forums (WTO, UNFCCC, WHO).

India’s role and perspective in SSTC

India has historically positioned itself as a leader and bridge in South-South and triangular cooperation.

India’s contributions:

1. Capacity building: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme (1964): Training and scholarships for developing nations.
2. Institutional support: Partnered with the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). Set up the India-UN Development Partnership Fund (2017) — supports projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Africa.
3. Triangular partnerships:

India + Japan in Africa (Asia-Africa Growth Corridor)

India + USAID in health, agriculture and clean energy

4. Perspective:

• India sees SSTC not as aid but as mutual partnership based on solidarity and shared growth
• Emphasises non-conditionality (unlike Western aid which often has strings attached)
• Uses SSTC to strengthen strategic and diplomatic ties, particularly in Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific

Critical and analytical dimensions (For Civil Services mains)

Probable questions:

1. Critically analyse the role of South-South Triangular Cooperation in reshaping global development architecture. How does it differ from traditional North-South aid?
2. Discuss India’s approach to SSTC in the context of its aspirations for global leadership.
3. SSTC is often seen as a tool of “mutual solidarity” rather than “donor-recipient” aid. Do you agree? Substantiate with examples.
4. Evaluate the challenges facing SSTC in terms of financing, political will and institutionalisation.
5. How does SSTC complement India’s “Act East” and “Africa outreach” strategies?

Key takeaway for a student

The SSTC reflects a shift in development cooperation where the global south asserts its agency, supported by triangular partnerships. For India, it is both a diplomatic strategy and a development tool — enhancing its soft power while fostering inclusive growth.