In recent news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Papua New Guinea. This summit marked a significant step in India’s Act East Policy, aimed at strengthening ties with Pacific Island nations. During the summit, Prime Minister Modi announced a comprehensive 12-point development plan for these nations, covering areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, and cyber-security. This essay will delve into the highlights of the summit, the significance of Pacific Island nations for India, and the objectives of the FIPIC initiative.
Pacific Island Nations: A Geographic Overview
The Pacific Islands encompass three ethnogeographic groupings: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. They consist of independent states, associated states, and parts of non-Pacific countries. Notably, the Pacific Islands exclude Australia, the Aleutian Chain islands, and the Indonesian, Philippine, and Japanese archipelagoes. This region forms a triangular shape, stretching from New Guinea to Hawaii and down to New Zealand. Papua New Guinea, with its largest landmass and population, stands out among the Pacific Island nations, while Nauru holds the distinction of being the smallest nation. In total, there are 15 independent Pacific Island nations and numerous islands, islets, and atolls.
India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)
The FIPIC initiative was launched in 2014 during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Fiji. It includes India and 14 island countries, namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. FIPIC seeks to expand India’s engagement in the Pacific region through trade and investment facilitation, exchange of business delegations, matchmaking services, and organizing events and trade fairs.
Significance of Pacific Island Nations for India
India’s approach towards Pacific Island Countries (PICs) has witnessed a positive shift in recent years, driven by geopolitical, economic, and strategic factors. Geopolitically, the PICs are part of the larger Indo-Pacific region, which holds immense importance due to international trade routes that rely heavily on sea transportation. The Pacific Islands lie at the center of these sea-lanes, making them crucial to global commerce. Consequently, the rising significance of the Indo-Pacific region has garnered attention from countries like the US, Russia, China, Japan, Australia, and Indonesia. India has recognized this and has been actively reaching out to these small island states, signaling its eagerness for greater engagement.
Highlights of the Recent Summit
- Development Plan: Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of a 12-point development plan for Pacific Island nations demonstrates India’s commitment to their progress. The plan focuses on areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, cyber-security, and more.
- South-South Cooperation: India’s engagement with Pacific Island nations primarily takes the form of development assistance under South-South Cooperation. This assistance revolves around capacity building and community development projects, further strengthening the bond between the nations.
Important Points:
- The Prime Minister attended the Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Papua New Guinea. 🌏
Highlights of the Recent Summit:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 12-point development plan for the Pacific Island nations. 📜
- The 12-point development plan focuses on healthcare, renewable energy, cyber-security, and more. 💪
- India’s engagement with Pacific Island nations is primarily through development assistance under South-South Cooperation. 🤝
Pacific Island Nations:
- The Pacific Islands comprise Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. 🏝️
- There are 15 independent Pacific Island nations, including Papua New Guinea (the largest) and Nauru (the smallest). 🗾
- Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are classified as least-developed countries. New Zealand is a developed country, while others are developing countries. 🌴
India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC):
- FIPIC includes India and 14 Pacific Island countries. 🤝
- The initiative aims to facilitate trade, investment, and business delegations between India and the Pacific Islands. 💼
Significance of Pacific Island Nations for India:
- The PICs are part of the larger Indo-Pacific region, which is vital for international trade. 🚢
- The Pacific Islands lie at the center of sea-lanes crucial for global commerce. 🌊
- India’s outreach to Pacific Island nations signifies its willingness for greater engagement. 🤝
Why In News
The Prime Minister, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, participated in the highly anticipated Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit held in Papua New Guinea. During the summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of fostering stronger bilateral ties and exploring mutually beneficial partnerships between India and the Pacific island nations for shared growth and sustainable development.
MCQs about Empowering Pacific Island Nations
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What is the primary focus of India’s 12-point development plan announced at the FIPIC summit?
A. Education and infrastructure development
B. Healthcare, renewable energy, and cyber-security
C. Agriculture and food security
D. Tourism and cultural exchange
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Which of the following is not classified as a least-developed country among the Pacific Island nations?
A. Kiribati
B. Samoa
C. Tuvalu
D. New Zealand
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What is the objective of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)?
A. Strengthening ties between India and the Pacific Island nations through cultural exchange
B. Promoting tourism and trade between India and the Pacific Island nations
C. Facilitating trade, investment, and business delegations between India and the Pacific Island nations
D. Providing financial aid to Pacific Island nations for infrastructure development
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Why are Pacific Island nations significant for India’s engagement?
A. Geopolitically, they are part of the Indo-Pacific region.
B. They have vast reserves of natural resources.
C. They offer lucrative business opportunities for Indian companies.
D. They are strategically located for military purposes.
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