Eyeing to bolster India’s footprint in the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday showcased New Delhi as a “reliable” partner of the Pacific island nations as he said those considered trustworthy were “not standing by” the region in times of need, in what is being seen as an oblique reference to China.
A friend in need is a friend indeed, Modi told top leaders of 14 Pacific Island nations at a summit, assuring that India is ready to share its capabilities and experiences with the region “without any hesitation” and that “we are with you in every way.” At the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit, Modi also unveiled for the region a 12-point development programme in areas of healthcare, cyberspace, clean energy, water and small and medium enterprises.
Referring to the adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic and other global developments, Modi said India stood by the Pacific Island nations in the challenging time and conveyed to them that they can rely on New Delhi as it respects their priorities and its approach for cooperation is based on human values.
“Those whom we considered trustworthy, it turned out that they were not standing by our side in times of need. During these challenging times, an old saying has proven true: ‘A Friend in need is a friend indeed’,” he said without naming any country.
“I am glad that India stood with its Pacific island friends during this challenging time. Whether it was vaccines or essential medicines, wheat or sugar; India, in line with its capabilities, has been assisting all partner countries,” he said.
The prime minister, who arrived here on Sunday on the second leg of his three-nation tour, also underlined the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific for the Pacific Island nations and said India respects the sovereignty and integrity of all countries.
“India respects your priorities. It feels proud to be your development partner. Whether it’s humanitarian assistance or your development, you can count India as a reliable partner. Our perspective is based on human values,” he said.
Modi’s comments at the FIPIC summit in the capital city of Papua New Guinea came amid China’s aggressive behaviour in the region as well as its efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific island nations.
Explaining India’s priorities for the island nations, Modi said: “For me, you are not small island states, but large ocean countries. It is this vast ocean that connects India with all of you. Indian philosophy has always viewed the world as one family.” The 12-point development plan included establishing a super-specialty cardiology hospital in Fiji, assistance in setting up dialysis units in all 14 Pacific island countries, rolling out sea ambulances, capacity building programmes for the SME (small and medium enterprises) sector and opening Yoga centres.
Modi also announced bringing Jan Aushadhi Centers to the island nations for ensuring medicines at affordable prices. To address the water scarcity issue, he pledged to provide desalination units for the people of every Pacific Island country.
In his address, he said the world has gone through a difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic and many other challenges and their impact has been felt mostly by the countries of the Global South.
“Climate change, natural disasters, hunger, poverty, and various health-related challenges were already prevalent. Now, new issues are emerging. Barriers are arising in the supply chains of food, fuel, fertilizer, and pharmaceuticals,” he said.
The prime minister also reaffirmed India’s strong support for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“We share your belief in multilateralism. We support a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. We respect the sovereignty and integrity of all countries,” he said.
Modi said the “voice of the Global South” should also resonate strongly in the UN Security Council. “For this, reform of the international institutions — should be our shared priority.” “I had discussions with Australia, the US and Japan in Hiroshima as part of the Quad. This dialogue has a special focus on the Indo-Pacific region. In the Quad meeting, we have taken the decision to establish the Radio Access Network (RAN) in Palau,” he said.
“In a plurilateral format, we will enhance partnership with Pacific Island countries,” Modi said.
Modi conveyed to the Pacific Island nations that India is ready to share its capabilities and experiences with them “without any hesitation”.
“Whether it’s digital technology or space technology; whether it’s health security or food security; whether it’s climate change or environmental conservation; we are with you in every way,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted India’s priorities under its G20 presidency.
“The theme of our ongoing G-20 Presidency this year, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ is also based on this ideology,” he said.
“This year, in January, we organized the ‘Voice of Global South Summit, in which your representatives participated and shared their thoughts,” he said.
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“I congratulate you on that. India considers it a responsibility to bring the issues, expectations and aspirations of the Global South to the attention of the world through the G-20 platform,” he added.
The summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi along with his counterpart from Papua New Guinea.
“My Papua New Guinea visit has been a historic one. I will greatly cherish the affection received among the people of this wonderful nation. I also had the opportunity to interact with respected FIPIC leaders and discuss ways to deepen ties with their respective nations,” Modi tweeted.
India’s engagement with the 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is part of New Delhi’s Act East Policy.
A major part of India’s engagement with PICs is through development assistance under South-South Cooperation which is mainly in the form of capacity building and community development projects.
A major initiative launched under the rubric of the Act East Policy for the PICs is the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Prime Minister Modi hosted the first FIPIC summit in Suva on November 19, 2014, during his visit to Fiji.
The second FIPIC summit was held in Jaipur on August 21 again with all 14 PICs taking part. In that summit, India announced initiatives across a wide array of areas to assist the PICs in facing challenges and achieving aspirations for the well-being and development of its people.
