External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar recently hosted the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in New York. This significant engagement occurred on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), underscoring India's commitment to enhancing relations with Pacific Island nations.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting:

·        Progress on 12-Point Action Plan: The meeting acknowledged the advancements made under the 12-point development agenda announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

·        Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Discussions centered on deepening India's partnerships with Pacific Island countries, recognizing them as vital development partners.

·        Commitment to Capacity Building: The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to provide training and skill development opportunities, empowering local populations and enhancing their capabilities to address regional challenges.

Significance of the Meeting:

• • Reinforcement of India's 'Act East' Policy: The FIPIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting aligns with India's 'Act East' policy, aiming to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region. By engaging with Pacific Island nations, India seeks to enhance its strategic and economic footprint in this vital area.
  • Promotion of Sustainable Development: The discussions highlighted shared challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and healthcare, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions. India's support in these areas reflects its commitment to sustainable development and regional stability.
  • Advancement of Multilateral Diplomacy: Hosting the FIPIC meeting on the UNGA sidelines exemplifies India's proactive approach in multilateral diplomacy. It showcases India's role as a facilitator of dialogue and cooperation among diverse nations, reinforcing its position on the global stage.

About FIPIC

The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a diplomatic initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Fiji in November 2014.

·        It aims to strengthen India's engagement with 14 Pacific Island nations: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

·        These countries, while geographically distant from India, possess large Exclusive Economic Zones and offer significant opportunities for cooperation in areas such as maritime security, climate change, and sustainable development.

At the 3rd FIPIC Summit held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, in May 2023, Prime Minister Modi unveiled a comprehensive 12-point development plan to bolster India's partnership with Pacific Island nations.

The agenda focus on healthcare, renewable energy, capacity building, and community welfare.

Conclusion:

The 2025 FIPIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, hosted by EAM Jaishankar, marked a significant step in strengthening India's ties with the Pacific Island nations. Through collaborative initiatives and a shared commitment to sustainable development, both parties aim to build a robust and enduring partnership that addresses the pressing challenges of the 21st century.