On May 26, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island country. FIPIC comprises 14 island countries, and India is keen to expand its engagement in the Pacific region.
During the opening session of the summit, Modi spoke in favor of a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledged India’s continued support for the development of Pacific Island states that are members of FIPIC. He emphasized the importance of regional stability and security and highlighted India’s commitment to assisting the development goals of the 14 states that are part of FIPIC.
India and the Pacific Island countries have a total annual trade worth $570 million, and Papua New Guinea is India’s largest trade partner. During the third FIPIC summit, initiatives were announced to provide super-specialty hospitals, sea ambulances, prosthetic limbs, and desalination units to the people of every Pacific Island country.
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, in a grand gesture, touched the feet of Indian Prime Minister Modi during the summit. This was a mark of respect and admiration for the Indian leader, who has been instrumental in strengthening ties between India and Pacific Island countries.
Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea is significant as it highlights India’s growing interest in the Pacific region. The Pacific Island countries have large exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and India seeks to play a role in protecting strategic and commercial interests in the Indian Ocean. The visit also underscores the importance India places on the development of its relationships with the smaller island nations, which are often overlooked in the larger scheme of things.
The initiatives announced during the summit will go a long way in improving the lives of people in the Pacific Island countries. The provision of super-specialty hospitals, sea ambulances, prosthetic limbs, and desalination units will address some of the pressing healthcare and infrastructure needs of these countries. These initiatives will also help India to deepen its engagement with the Pacific Island countries and strengthen its role as a responsible global power.
In conclusion, Modi’s visit to the FIPIC summit in Papua New Guinea has been a significant step in India’s engagement with the Pacific region. The initiatives announced during the summit will help to improve the lives of people in the Pacific Island countries and strengthen India’s relationship with these nations. Modi’s emphasis on a free and open Indo-Pacific and his commitment to assisting the development goals of the 14 states that are part of FIPIC underscore India’s role as a responsible global power.
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