India Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference

India and Pacific Island countries convened a conference on sustainable development, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs. This event, held under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) as the knowledge partner, highlighted critical areas such as the blue economy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster preparedness, healthcare, the International Solar Alliance, and the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was established in November 2014 to bolster India's relationships with Pacific Island nations. The inaugural FIPIC summit occurred in Suva, Fiji, in November 2014, followed by the second summit in Jaipur, India, in August 2015. FIPIC comprises India and 14 Pacific Island countries: Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Niue, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

India's Engagement with the Pacific Islands: A Focus on Sustainable Development

India's engagement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) has gained considerable momentum in recent years, particularly since the establishment of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in 2014. This engagement is multifaceted, encompassing diplomatic, economic, and strategic dimensions, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development. The India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and supported by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), exemplifies this commitment. This conference, held under the FIPIC framework, served as a crucial platform for discussing and strategizing on issues of paramount importance to both India and the PICs, including the blue economy, climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster preparedness, healthcare, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the practical implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Genesis of FIPIC: A Strategic Imperative

The genesis of FIPIC in November 2014 was a strategic move by India to enhance its presence and influence in the Pacific region. Historically, India's engagement with the PICs had been limited, often overshadowed by the focus on other regions such as Southeast Asia and Africa. However, with the rise of India as a major global power and the increasing geopolitical significance of the Indo-Pacific region, New Delhi recognized the need to strengthen its ties with these island nations.

Several factors contributed to this strategic shift. First, the PICs, despite their relatively small size and population, collectively possess a significant Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific Ocean. This vast maritime space is rich in natural resources, including fisheries, minerals, and potential seabed mining opportunities. Access to these resources and the ability to influence maritime governance in the region are of strategic importance to India.

Second, the PICs are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification. These challenges pose an existential threat to many of these island nations, and they are actively seeking international support for adaptation and mitigation efforts. India, as a responsible global actor, has recognized the need to assist the PICs in addressing these challenges, both for humanitarian reasons and to enhance its own credibility on climate change issues.

Third, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a major geopolitical arena, with increasing competition between major powers such as the United States, China, and India. The PICs are strategically located in this region, and their support is crucial for maintaining regional stability and promoting a rules-based order. By strengthening its ties with the PICs, India aims to counter China's growing influence in the region and ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains open and inclusive.

The first FIPIC summit, held in Suva, Fiji, in November 2014, marked a significant milestone in India's engagement with the PICs. The summit brought together the heads of government of India and the 14 PICs, providing a platform for high-level dialogue and the articulation of shared priorities. The second FIPIC summit, held in Jaipur, India, in August 2015, further consolidated this engagement, with a focus on concrete areas of cooperation such as infrastructure development, capacity building, and trade and investment.

FIPIC Member States: A Diverse Grouping

FIPIC comprises India and the following 14 Pacific Island Countries:

1. Tonga: An archipelago of over 170 islands in the South Pacific, known for its Polynesian culture and royal heritage.
2. Cook Islands: A self-governing island country in free association with New Zealand, known for its stunning beaches and lagoons.
3. Tuvalu: A low-lying island nation in the Pacific Ocean, highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and climate change.
4. Nauru: The smallest island nation in the world, with a history of phosphate mining and economic challenges.
5. Kiribati: An island nation spanning both the Equator and the International Date Line, facing significant challenges from climate change and sea-level rise.
6. Vanuatu: A volcanic archipelago in the South Pacific, known for its diverse cultures and active volcanoes.
7. Solomon Islands: A nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific, with a history of ethnic tensions and challenges in governance.
8. Samoa: An island nation in the South Pacific, known for its Polynesian culture and stunning natural beauty.
9. Niue: A small island nation in the South Pacific, known for its coral reefs and unique cultural traditions.
10. Palau: An archipelago in Micronesia, known for its pristine marine environment and commitment to conservation.
11. Micronesia (Federated States of): A nation of hundreds of islands in Micronesia, with a diverse range of cultures and languages.
12. Marshall Islands: An island nation in the Pacific Ocean, with a history of nuclear testing and ongoing challenges related to climate change and sea-level rise.
13. Fiji: An island nation in Melanesia, known for its multicultural society and its role as a regional hub.
14. Papua New Guinea: A diverse and resource-rich nation in the western Pacific, with a complex political landscape and ongoing development challenges.

This diverse grouping of island nations shares a number of common characteristics, including their small size, vulnerability to climate change, dependence on natural resources, and challenges in achieving sustainable development. However, they also possess unique cultures, traditions, and development priorities. FIPIC provides a valuable platform for these countries to engage with India and address their shared challenges in a collaborative manner.

The Sustainable Development Conference: A Focus on Key Priorities

The India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference, organized by the MEA and supported by TERI, focused on a number of key priorities that are critical for the sustainable development of the PICs. These include:

• The Blue Economy: The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. For the PICs, the ocean is a vital source of food, livelihoods, and economic opportunities. Sustainable management of fisheries, promotion of eco-tourism, and exploration of renewable energy sources such as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) are all important aspects of the blue economy. India has significant expertise in these areas and can provide valuable assistance to the PICs in developing their blue economies in a sustainable manner.
• Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: As mentioned earlier, the PICs are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification pose significant threats to their economies, societies, and ecosystems. Adaptation measures such as building seawalls, relocating coastal communities, and developing drought-resistant crops are essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Mitigation efforts, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, are also crucial for limiting the magnitude of future warming. India has made significant commitments to reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy, and it can share its expertise and resources with the PICs to help them achieve their climate goals.
• Disaster Preparedness: The PICs are prone to a range of natural disasters, including cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Effective disaster preparedness is essential for minimizing the loss of life and property during these events. This includes developing early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and training communities in disaster response. India has a strong track record in disaster management and can provide valuable assistance to the PICs in strengthening their disaster preparedness capabilities.
• Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is a major challenge for many of the PICs, particularly in remote and isolated communities. Limited resources, lack of trained personnel, and inadequate infrastructure are all contributing factors. India has made significant progress in improving its own healthcare system, and it can share its expertise and resources with the PICs to help them address their healthcare challenges. This includes providing training for healthcare professionals, supplying essential medicines and equipment, and establishing telemedicine facilities to improve access to healthcare in remote areas.
• The International Solar Alliance (ISA): The ISA is an alliance of solar-resource-rich countries that aims to promote the deployment of solar energy technologies around the world. India played a leading role in the establishment of the ISA, and it is committed to providing support to its member countries in achieving their solar energy goals. The PICs have significant potential for solar energy development, and the ISA can provide a valuable platform for them to access technology, finance, and expertise in this area. By transitioning to solar energy, the PICs can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, lower their energy costs, and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are the commitments made by each country under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The PICs have submitted ambitious NDCs, but they often lack the resources and capacity to implement them effectively. India can provide technical and financial assistance to the PICs to help them achieve their NDC targets. This includes supporting the development of renewable energy projects, promoting sustainable land management practices, and building resilience to climate change impacts.

The Role of TERI: Knowledge and Expertise

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) played a crucial role as the knowledge partner for the India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference. TERI is a leading research institute that specializes in the fields of energy, environment, and sustainable development. It has a strong track record of providing policy advice, conducting research, and implementing projects related to sustainable development in India and other developing countries.

TERI's expertise was invaluable in shaping the discussions at the conference and identifying concrete areas of cooperation between India and the PICs. TERI researchers presented their findings on a range of topics, including the blue economy, climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy. They also facilitated workshops and training sessions to build the capacity of participants from the PICs.

TERI's involvement in the conference highlights the importance of knowledge and expertise in promoting sustainable development. By providing evidence-based research and practical solutions, TERI helped to ensure that the discussions at the conference were grounded in reality and focused on achieving tangible results.

India's Act East Policy and the Pacific Islands

India's engagement with the Pacific Islands is closely linked to its broader Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen India's ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Act East Policy, launched in 2014, represents a strategic shift in India's foreign policy, with a greater emphasis on engaging with countries to its east, including Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific.

The Pacific Islands are an important part of the Act East Policy, as they are strategically located in the Indo-Pacific region and share a number of common interests with India. By strengthening its ties with the PICs, India aims to promote regional stability, enhance its economic opportunities, and counter China's growing influence in the region.

The FIPIC initiative is a key component of India's Act East Policy in the Pacific. It provides a platform for regular dialogue and cooperation between India and the PICs, and it has helped to build trust and understanding between the two sides. India has also provided development assistance to the PICs through various bilateral and multilateral channels, focusing on areas such as infrastructure development, capacity building, and disaster relief.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the progress made in recent years, India's engagement with the Pacific Islands still faces a number of challenges. These include:

• Limited Resources: India is a developing country with its own development challenges, and it has limited resources to allocate to its engagement with the PICs. This can constrain the scale and scope of its assistance programs.
• Geographical Distance: The vast geographical distances between India and the PICs can make it difficult to maintain regular contact and implement projects effectively.
• Capacity Constraints: Many of the PICs have limited capacity to absorb and manage development assistance. This can lead to delays and inefficiencies in project implementation.
• Competition from Other Actors: India faces competition from other actors in the Pacific region, including China, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries have long-standing relationships with the PICs and often have greater resources and influence.

Despite these challenges, there are also significant opportunities for India to deepen its engagement with the Pacific Islands. These include:

• Growing Demand for Development Assistance: The PICs are facing increasing challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, and sustainable development, and they are seeking greater international assistance to address these challenges.
• India's Expertise in Sustainable Development: India has significant expertise in areas such as renewable energy, disaster management, and sustainable agriculture, which can be valuable to the PICs.
• The ISA Platform: The ISA provides a valuable platform for India and the PICs to collaborate on solar energy development.
• The Act East Policy: The Act East Policy provides a framework for strengthening India's overall engagement with the Asia-Pacific region, including the Pacific Islands.

Stakeholder Positions: India and the Pacific Island Countries

The India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference and the broader FIPIC framework involve several key stakeholders, each with their own positions, interests, and actions:

• India: India's official position is to support the sustainable development of the Pacific Island Countries. This position is underpinned by several underlying interests. Firstly, India seeks to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with the region, enhancing its influence in the Indo-Pacific. Secondly, India aims to promote its interests in the Indo-Pacific by fostering regional stability and cooperation. To achieve these goals, India has been actively organizing conferences like the Sustainable Development Conference, providing development assistance, and engaging in dialogue through FIPIC.

• Pacific Island Countries: The PICs officially seek support for addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing economic opportunities. Their underlying interests include building resilience to climate change impacts, improving the livelihoods of their people, and achieving sustainable economic growth. The PICs have been participating in FIPIC summits and conferences, seeking development assistance from India, and collaborating on regional initiatives to advance their interests.

Broader Implications of India's Engagement

India's engagement with the Pacific Islands has broad implications across various domains:

• Political: It strengthens India's political influence in the Pacific region, enhancing its standing as a responsible global actor.
• Diplomatic: It enhances India's diplomatic relations with Pacific Island countries, fostering goodwill and cooperation.
• Security: By addressing shared challenges such as climate change and natural disasters, it contributes to regional stability and security.
• Humanitarian: It addresses the humanitarian needs of Pacific Island countries, particularly in the context of climate change and natural disasters, providing essential support and assistance.
• Economic: It promotes economic cooperation and trade between India and Pacific Island countries, creating opportunities for mutual growth and development.
• Social: It improves the livelihoods and well-being of people in Pacific Island countries by supporting sustainable development initiatives and providing access to essential services.
• Technological: It facilitates the transfer of technology and expertise to Pacific Island countries, helping them to adopt innovative solutions for their development challenges.
• Environmental: It promotes sustainable environmental practices and addresses climate change, contributing to the protection of the region's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Historical Context and Connections

The connections between India and the Pacific Islands are not entirely new. Historical ties exist through migration and trade, with Indian communities present in several Pacific Island countries. India also has a history of supporting decolonization efforts in the Pacific region, advocating for the independence and self-determination of island nations.

Future Outlook

The future outlook for India's engagement with the Pacific Islands is positive, with continued cooperation expected on sustainable development, climate change, and other shared challenges. As India's economy continues to grow and its influence in the Indo-Pacific region increases, it is likely to play an even greater role in supporting the development aspirations of the Pacific Island countries. This will require a sustained commitment from India, as well as a willingness to listen to the needs and priorities of the PICs and to work in partnership with them to achieve their common goals. The FIPIC framework will remain a crucial mechanism for facilitating this engagement, providing a platform for regular dialogue, cooperation, and the implementation of concrete projects. The focus on sustainable development, as exemplified by the India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference, will be essential for ensuring that this engagement benefits both India and the Pacific Island countries in the long term.