PM Modi underlines importance of free and open Indo-Pacific at FIPIC summit in Papua New Guinea

The above article discuss about the various outcomes of the recently held FIPIC summit, and how these outcomes help in strengthening the relations of India and Pacific Island countries.

Why in News?

The 3rd summit of FIPIC (Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation) is organizing in the Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The summit is participating by India, represented by Prime Minister. Prime Minister said that free and open Indo-Pacific region is the need for overall economic development. Prime Minister emphasised on India’s commitment to FIPIC and said that India will continue to help FIPIC nations in all its forms and in every possible way.

What is FIPIC?

The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is multinational forum, aims to bring cooperation and coordination among Pacific Island nations and India. It came into existance in November, 2014, during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Fiji.

FIPIC includes 14 island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. These Island nations are located in the Pacific Ocean, to the northeast of Australia.

What is the FIPIC summit?

FIPIC-I, summit held in 2014, at Suva, Fiji’s capital city. India announced various development assistance initiatives and other cooperation projects in areas of climate change, trade, economy, telemedicine and teleeducation, IT, grants for community development projects, etc.

At FIPIC-II in 2015 in Jaipur, India again announced similar initiatives. India also approached the event from a large diplomatic perspective, calling for a “dedicated seat for Small Island Developing States in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council in both categories”.

What are the outcomes of FIPIC – 2023?

The Prime Minister made some significant commitments in the summit. He said India will establish a super-specialty cardiology hospital in Fiji. The cost of this mega greenfield project will be bear completely by the Indian government. India will also provide Sea ambulances to all 14 Pacific Island countries.

What are the outcomes of FIPIC – 2023?

The Prime Minister made some significant commitments in the summit. He said India will establish a super-specialty cardiology hospital in Fiji. The cost of this mega greenfield project will be bear completely by the Indian government. India will also provide Sea ambulances to all 14 Pacific Island countries.

Prime Minister said that a camp to provide free prosthetic limbs will also be conducted in Papua New guinea this year and starting from 2024.