The third Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit took place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on May 22, 2023. Both the Indian and Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister co-chaired the summit, with 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) present. The Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL), Papua New Guinea’s highest civilian award, was bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister at the summit.
Key Highlights of the Third FIPIC Summit
India expressed its support for the sovereignty and integrity of all countries at the summit, emphasizing the need to reform international institutions to amplify the Global South’s voice. The Indian Prime Minister discussed plans with Australia, the US, and Japan to implement Open Radio Access Networks (RAN) in the Pacific region. In response, the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister encouraged India to represent the PICs at the G-7 and G-20 summits.
The 12-Point Formula and The ‘Thirukkural’ Book Release
The summit also saw India launching a 12-point development program in healthcare, cyberspace, clean energy, water, and small and medium enterprises in PICs. India also pledged to establish a super-specialty cardiology hospital in Fiji, introduce dialysis units and sea ambulances in all PICs, and provide affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Centres. Moreover, the two Prime Ministers released the Tamil classic ‘Thirukkural’ in Tok Pisin, the official language of Papua New Guinea.
About FIPIC and Its Objective
FIPIC, launched in November 2014, is a product of India’s Act East Policy and serves as a platform for dialogue and consultation on regional and global issues of mutual interest. It aims to enhance India’s relations with PICs in various fields such as trade, investment, tourism, education, health, agriculture, renewable energy, disaster management and climate change.
The Geopolitical Importance, Economic Potential, and Cultural Diversity of Pacific Island Countries
The PICs are strategically located across the Pacific Ocean, making them attractive to major powers like the US, Russia, and China. They are rich in natural resources which add to their economic potential. Cultural richness and biological diversity are intrinsic to these nations with their unique indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions contributing to global diversity. Also, they hold the potential to be a significant vote bank at international platforms such as the United Nations.
India’s Relationship with Pacific Island Countries
India has a long history and cultural ties with the PICs. Its engagement with these nations is part of its vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. India has been a reliable partner for PICs, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Assistance and Economic Relations between India and Pacific Island Countries
India donated 1.2 million doses of Covishield vaccine to Fiji under its Vaccine Maitri initiative and supplied essential medicines and medical equipment worth USD 2 million to Papua New Guinea during the Covid-19 pandemic. As per 2021-22 data, the annual trade between India and PICs is approximately USD 570 million.
Future Prospects of India-PICs Relations
There is vast potential for India and PICs to boost their collaboration in blue economy, maritime security, digital connectivity, healthcare, education and skill development areas. India can leverage its strengths to offer innovative solutions to the challenges faced by PICs and share its best practices and experiences in disaster management and climate change adaptation.
