1st Summit in Suva, Fiji
During his visit to Fiji, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant moment, as it coincided with the restoration of democracy in the island nation after a hiatus of eight years. This visit was not merely a bilateral engagement but also served as a platform for Modi to engage with leaders from 14 Pacific Island nations. The discussions centered around enhancing India's collaboration with these nations and led to the proposal of establishing a 'Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation' (FIPIC) to convene regularly. This initiative underscores India's commitment to fostering a stronger presence in the Pacific and addressing the unique challenges faced by these island states.
Modi proposed a series of concrete measures to strengthen partnerships, which included the establishment of a special fund amounting to US$1 million dedicated to climate change adaptation and promotion of clean energy initiatives. This fund was positioned as a critical investment in the future of the Pacific Islands, which are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, the creation of a trade office in India aimed to bolster economic ties, while the proposed 'Pan Pacific Islands e-network' sought to improve digital connectivity, bridging the geographical gaps that separate these island nations. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to not only engage with the Pacific Islands but also to integrate them into India's broader economic and technological landscape.
Moreover, Modi's announcement of extending visa-on-arrival facilities at Indian airports for all fourteen Pacific Island countries was a strategic move aimed at facilitating easier travel and fostering cultural exchanges. The Prime Minister also emphasized cooperation in space technology, which has the potential to enhance various aspects of life in these islands, such as disaster management and resource monitoring. Training programs for diplomats from Pacific Island countries were proposed to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation, symbolizing a commitment to building capacity and strengthening diplomatic ties.
The aftermath of Modi's visit was particularly noteworthy, as it drew the attention of global powers, influencing geopolitical dynamics in the region. Just two days after Modi's engagement, Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Fiji, interacting with a similar gathering of leaders. This sequence of events highlighted the intensifying competition for influence between India and China in the South Pacific, a region that has become increasingly strategic for both nations. The developments at the summit reflect an evolving landscape in international relations, where Pacific Island nations are pivotal players, and their partnerships with larger nations like India and China are crucial in navigating the regional challenges they face.
2nd Summit in Jaipur, India
The second summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation took place on August 21, 2015, in the culturally rich city of Jaipur, India. This summit was a significant follow-up to the inaugural meeting held in Suva, Fiji, where it was conclusively decided that the leadership of India and the Pacific Island nations should engage in regular consultations to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships. The invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the heads of states and governments from all 14 Pacific Island nations underscored India's commitment to enhancing its diplomatic ties with these small but strategically important countries.
As part of India's extended Act East policy, the country has focused on fostering positive relations not only with the larger nations in the Pacific but also with smaller island states. These relations encompass a range of collaborative initiatives covering sectors such as the blue economy, which emphasizes sustainable use of ocean resources; oil and natural gas exploration; mining; information technology; healthcare; fishing; and marine research. India's engagement with Pacific nations is particularly important in the domain of space collaboration, where the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sees these nations as partners for surveillance and monitoring purposes, including the tracking of rocket launches.
During the summit, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee issued a warm welcome to the visiting dignitaries at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 20, 2015. Following this formal reception, the leaders visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, creating a blend of statecraft and cultural diplomacy as they proceeded to the summit venue in Jaipur. Prime Minister Modi used this platform to announce plans for an international conference on the blue economy scheduled for 2016 in New Delhi. He invited experts from the Pacific Island nations to participate actively in the discussions. Furthermore, Modi proposed the establishment of a Space Application Center in collaboration with ISRO situated in one of the 14 Pacific Island countries, enhancing scientific cooperation in the region. The intent to facilitate friendly port calls by the Indian Navy also symbolizes trust and mutual cooperation.
The Pacific Island leaders expressed pressing concerns regarding the impact of climate change on their nations, seeking India’s support to address these challenges. Notably, India responded positively, assuring its commitment to voicing these concerns and advocating for necessary measures during the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) held in Paris. In reciprocation, the heads of state from the Pacific Islands expressed their solidarity with India by reaffirming support for the nation's pursuit of permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi offered expertise and assistance to the Pacific Islands in areas such as hydrography and coastal surveillance, which are vital for enhancing maritime security and understanding of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). This initiative not only serves the immediate needs of the island nations but also strengthens India's strategic footprint in the region, paving the way for deeper maritime cooperation and ensuring the security and stability of the vast oceanic territories surrounding these nations.
Significance of the Summit
The 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation, held in Papua New Guinea on May 22, 2023, marked a significant event in the diplomatic relations between India and the Pacific Island nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit underscored India's commitment to enhancing its engagement with the Pacific region, characterized by a focus on sustainable development, climate resilience, and economic cooperation. The summit served as a platform for dialogue on pressing issues and represented a critical step in strengthening India’s role as a partner in the Pacific.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
During the summit, leaders from various Pacific Island nations and India participated in discussions that highlighted key areas of collaboration. They emphasized the importance of maritime security, the impact of climate change, and the need for sustainable practices to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Pacific. The summit also aimed at establishing cooperative frameworks to enhance connectivity and trade between India and the island nations. Agreements were reached on technology transfer to support renewable energy initiatives in the Pacific, enabling these nations to better combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Broader Implications for Regional Cooperation
Modi's visit and the subsequent outcomes of the summit are likely to have far-reaching implications for regional cooperation. By engaging with the Pacific Island Forum, India is positioning itself as a crucial player in the Indo-Pacific strategy, promoting free and open trade in the region while counteracting the influence of other global powers. This diplomatic engagement aligns with India’s broader foreign policy goals, including reinforcing its maritime capabilities and fostering collaboration in sectors such as science and technology, education, and health.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the outcomes of the summit pave the way for enhanced bilateral ties between India and the Pacific Island countries. The establishment of specific working groups focused on areas such as disaster management and resource development can further catalyze this partnership. With India’s increasing participation in regional affairs, the 3rd Summit signifies not just a diplomatic engagement but also a commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development in the Pacific region, ensuring the shared interests of both India and the island nations are effectively realized in the future.