India’s outreach to Pacific island countries needs sustained effort
PM Modi”s recent visit to Papua New Guinea – the first by any Indian premier – coincided with the US inking a defence agreement with the Pacific island nation. Pacific island countries (PIC) have emerged as a strategic battleground between the Democratic World and China, with China trying to peel away some PICs in recent years. China inked its own security pact with the Solomon Islands last year. If the Chinese are able to establish a strong foothold in the islands, it would create a serious strategic-security headache for the free world in the south Pacific.
India and the democratic world teaming up in the PIC region is a good idea. While USA can provide security guarantees to the islands, India can position itself as a reliable development partner. That was the thrust of Prime Minster Modi’s 12-point action plan announced at the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit.India is rightly championing a demand driven cooperation model that doesn’t burden the island nations.
It is proposed to cover the following important aspects in this article:-
• Prime Minster Modi’s 12-Point Action Plan For PICs
• Well-Calculated India's Engagement In The Pacific Region
• Chinese Military,Economic Coercion, Overfishing Political Warfare In PIC Countries
• USA Response To Chinese Inroads in PIC
• What More Should The Democratic World Do To Stop Chinese
• Indian Action Plan In PIC
Prime Minster Modi’s 12-point action plan
• 100-bed specialty hospital in Fiji
• IT, cyber security training hub in PNG
• 100 Sagar Amrut Scholarships
• Jaipur foot camp in PNG by year-end
• FIPIC SME development project
• Solar project for govt buildings
• Desalination units for water
• Sea ambulances for PIC
• Dialysis units
• Emergency helpline no.
• Jan Aushadhi Kendras
• Yoga centres
In his remarks to the assembled leaders of the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit, PM Modi made an emotional speech that drew a distinction between the approach followed by India and, without naming it, China. Referring to the adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic and other global developments, Modi said India stood by the Pacific Islands in challenging times.Whether it was vaccines or essential medicines, wheat or sugar,” he said.
Not Small Island States, But Large Ocean Countries
PM Modi said India is ready to share its capabilities and experiences with PICs “without any hesitation” and assured them that “we are with you in every way”. “For me, you are not small island states, but large ocean countries. It is this vast ocean that connects India with all of you,” added PM Modi.
PNG PM James Marape responded by calling the Pacific island nations as victims of global power play. “You (PM Modi) are the leader of Global South. We will rally behind your (India) leadership at global forums,” he said. PM Modi also reaffirmed India’s strong support for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. “Our development template is such that it doesn’t burden the economy and matches very well with these island nations’ priorities,” pointed out Indian Foreign Secretary.
Fiji and Papua New Guinea on Monday conferred their highest civilian awards on PM Modi on the margins of the third summit between India and Pacific Island Countries (PIC) at Port Moresby.
India's Engagement In The Pacific Region Well-Calculated
Prime Minister Modi's 12-point action plan showcased India's nonintrusive and accommodating approach. As the island nations remain cautious about becoming entangled in the power dynamics between the United States and China, India finds itself in a favorable position to pursue its objectives in the South Pacific. By charting a benign course and avoiding excessive demands, India stands to advance its goals in the region effectively
The Pacific Island Countries (PIC) were once considered geographically distant, situated on the opposite side of the globe. Given Fiji's substantial Indian-origin population, New Delhi has consistently aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties with nations in this region. India responded by establishing the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Papua New Guinea for the third FIPIC summit emphasized India's commitment to Pacific outreach. This sustained diplomatic approach aligns with India's engagement efforts.
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