History of Relations
Diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and India were formally established in 1998, marking the beginning of a partnership that has evolved over the years. Initially, the High Commission of India in Wellington, New Zealand, served as the diplomatic representation for the Cook Islands. However, this was later moved in March 1999 to the High Commission of India in Suva, Fiji, reflecting the increasing importance of the relationship. This change allowed for more direct engagement and support for the Cook Islands from India's diplomatic missions.
In subsequent years, high-level exchanges have characterized the relationship. In August 2012, E. Ahamed, the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, led a delegation to the Cook Islands for the Post Forum Dialogue Partners Meeting. This visit was significant not only for its diplomatic purpose but also for fostering bilateral discussions, particularly in the health sector. The interactions continued with notable visits from Cook Islands officials, such as Finance Minister Mark Brown's participation in the ADB Asia Leadership Program in Delhi in February 2013, and Associate Minister John Henry's engagement in a high-level meeting on child rights in Asia later that year.
Strengthening Economic Ties
The Cook Islands' membership in the Pacific Islands Forum has been pivotal in enhancing its relationship with India. As an official dialogue partner, India's commitment to collaboration has gained momentum, especially following the introduction of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) by the Narendra Modi government in 2014. This initiative has opened new avenues for partnership, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, trade, and resource exploration.
The inaugural FIPIC Summit held in Suva, Fiji, on 19 November 2014, marked a milestone in bilateral relations, attended by Prime Minister Henry Puna and a delegation of Cook Islands officials. Prime Minister Puna emphasized the significance of India's burgeoning economic landscape, indicating that enhanced ties would provide multiple avenues for economic cooperation. His statements highlighted the strategic interest of the Cook Islands in aligning with a major global player, underlining the mutual benefits that could arise from a closer partnership.
Continued Collaboration in Sectoral Areas
India's role as a "pioneer investor" in ocean mineral resource exploration was acknowledged by Nandi Glassie, the Cook Islands Minister of Health, Justice, and Parliamentary Services. At the 2nd FIPIC Summit in Jaipur on 21 August 2015, Glassie expressed strong interest in collaborating with India on seabed exploration and mining. Such sectoral engagement reflects a broader strategy of the Cook Islands to work collaboratively with India, leveraging its expertise in various sectors for mutual growth.
Overall, the evolving relationship between the Cook Islands and India presents a collaborative framework that emphasizes strategic partnership in economic, social, and environmental domains, demonstrating the potential for growth and development beneficial to both nations. As they continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation, the future of this bilateral relationship looks promising, with opportunities for international collaboration on multiple fronts.
Trade Relations
The trade relationship between the Cook Islands and India has historically seen limited interaction, with bilateral trade amounting to only US$320,000 in the 2014-15 financial year. Notably, this figure underscores the one-sided nature of this trade relationship, as India did not import any goods from the Cook Islands during that period. Instead, all recorded trade was comprised of India's exports to the island nation. The primary exports from India to the Cook Islands included a variety of items such as natural and cultured pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, imitation jewelry, coins, as well as electrical machinery and textile articles. This selection of commodities reflects India's capabilities in manufacturing and jewelry production, catering to the relatively niche market demands of the Cook Islands.
In an effort to enhance trade ties and create opportunities for economic engagement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) Trade Office during the 2nd FIPIC Summit. Officially launched on 7 September 2015 at the FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) premises in New Delhi, the FIPIC Trade Office, also known as the FIPIC Business Accelerator, aims to facilitate and promote trade relations between India and Pacific island nations, including the Cook Islands.
In addition to this initiative, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has recognized the importance of expanding business ties with the Pacific Islands, leading to the creation of a dedicated department within its New Delhi headquarters focused on fostering trade with these nations. This strategic move highlights India's commitment to strengthening its relations with the Cook Islands and its broader engagement with the Pacific region. Through these efforts, both nations have the potential to unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and economic cooperation, which may contribute to diversification and sustainable development for the Cook Islands.
Cultural Relations
Cultural exchanges between the Cook Islands and India have fostered connections over the years, primarily through educational initiatives and the migration of people. One notable endeavor was the establishment of St. Mary's Medical College, founded in the 1990s by an Indian expatriate residing in the United States. This institution attracted a significant number of overseas students, likely due to the rising demand for medical education at the time. However, despite its initial success, the college faced challenges that led to its closure a few years later. Following this, the same founder initiated the South Seas University, although this institution was short-lived as well, conducting only one graduation ceremony before ceasing operations. This pattern reflects the difficulties that educational institutions can face in small island nations with limited resources.
Demographics of the Indian Community
The demographic landscape of the Cook Islands includes a small but notable Indian community. According to a national population estimate from 2006, there were approximately 100 individuals of Indian origin living in the Cook Islands. Almost all of these individuals were identified as Indo-Fijians, a group that traces its heritage to Indian laborers who migrated to Fiji during colonial times. Their presence adds a layer to the multicultural tapestry of the Cook Islands and contributes to a diverse social fabric. In addition to the Indo-Fijians, there is also a modest contingent of Indian nationals who are employed in professional sectors such as healthcare, education, and business. Their contributions are invaluable in bridging cultural ties between the two nations and are indicative of the broader Indian diaspora's involvement in the region.
Continuing Cultural Exchange
Beyond educational institutions, the cultural relations between the Cook Islands and India can be further enriched by community interactions and cultural exchanges. Festivals, culinary traditions, and art forms from India may find their way into the Cook Islands, fostering understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. Similarly, traditional practices from the Cook Islands can introduce Indian residents to the unique heritage of their host nation. Strengthening these cultural ties could serve as a pathway to enhance diplomatic relations, encourage tourism, and promote economic cooperation between the two nations, heralding a new chapter in the shared history of the Cook Islands and India.
Foreign Aid Contributions
India has established a longstanding partnership with the Cook Islands, primarily through its foreign aid programs. In 2005, India initiated its support for various small projects in the Cook Islands by providing a grant of $50,000. Over the years, this relationship has evolved, with India continuing to offer targeted financial assistance aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of the Cook Islands. For instance, in August 2012, India funded the procurement of a specialized vehicle designed for the transportation of disabled individuals. This initiative was followed in February 2013 with financial support for 16 community development projects, showcasing India's commitment to uplifting marginalized communities in the islands.
India's involvement extended to promoting sports and community engagement. In February 2014, funds were allocated for acquiring cricket equipment to support domestic tournaments, underlining India's emphasis on fostering sporting culture in the region. By January 2015, India continued its efforts by providing assistance for an additional 10 projects, indicating a sustained commitment to aid development across various sectors in the Cook Islands.
In 2006, during the Post Forum Dialogue partner meeting, India announced a significant step forward by committing to provide grant-in-aid of $100,000 annually to each of the 14 Pacific Island countries, including the Cook Islands. This amount increased to $125,000 annually starting in 2009, reflecting India's dedication to developing comprehensive aid initiatives. The funds were effectively utilized for various projects, including the procurement of educational materials, computers, audit software, and enhancements to the fishing tools used by local fishermen. The building of public utilities was also a key area of investment, further solidifying India’s role in the local development agenda.
At the first Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit held on November 19, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced additional measures to strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations. Among these initiatives was a new commitment to increase the annual grant-in-aid to $200,000 for each country, signaling India's intent to deepen its engagement in the region. Alongside financial contributions, India also revealed plans to ease visa policies, promote bilateral trade, and facilitate developmental assistance to enhance cooperation with Pacific Island countries.
This commitment culminated in a significant moment on March 1, 2017, when the Indian High Commissioner officially transferred a grant-in-aid of $966,000 to the Cook Islands in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Puna and Finance Minister Mark Brown. As the largest single grant from India to the Cook Islands, the funds were earmarked for executing 16 community projects spanning agriculture, education, and initiatives focused on persons with disabilities. Minister Brown emphasized the effectiveness of these grants, noting that they utilize government systems to ensure direct distribution to beneficiaries, thus maximizing the potential impact of these funds.
In addition to financial aid, India has also extended educational opportunities to Cook Islanders through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, allowing citizens to apply for scholarships. Furthermore, Cook Island diplomats have benefited from specialized training courses organized by India in Nadi, Fiji, enhancing their diplomatic skills and contributing to the overall capacity building of their foreign service. This multifaceted approach underscores the strength of India-Cook Islands relations, characterized by mutual assistance, development cooperation, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.