Diplomatic Relations Overview
The establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kiribati occurred on 6 August 1985, marking a significant milestone in their international engagement. Initially, the High Commission of India in Wellington, New Zealand, was responsible for Kiribati from September 1992 until October 2011. This diplomatic arrangement later transitioned to the High Commission of India in Suva, Fiji, reflecting a strategic consolidation of India's diplomatic presence in the Pacific region.
Support in International Forums
Kiribati has demonstrated its support for India on several international platforms, actively backing India's candidatures in various organizations. A notable instance was Kiribati's co-sponsorship of the G-4 resolution in 2005, which advocated for reforms in the United Nations. This cooperation underscores the mutual interests both countries share in enhancing global governance and addressing international issues collaboratively. The visit of Kiribati's Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Natan Teewe, along with Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Terieata Mwemwenikeaki, to New Delhi in February 2011 for the Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation further exemplifies this commitment to collaborative development.
High-Level Engagements and Summits
The relationship between India and Kiribati has been characterized by high-level exchanges aimed at fostering cooperation on sustainable development and regional issues. Former Kiribati President Anote Tong attended the 12th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) in 2012 and returned for the 13th DSDS in 2013, showcasing Kiribati's commitment to sustainable practices in the face of climate change. Additionally, Vice President Teima Onorio's participation in the Second High-Level Meeting on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and the Pacific in October 2013 further illustrates the focus on social development within these bilateral ties.
Regional Cooperation Initiatives
The formal acknowledgment of India's role in the Pacific region was highlighted through the creation of the Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) initiated by the Narendra Modi administration in 2014. This initiative aims to strengthen ties with Pacific island nations, including Kiribati, enhancing cooperation on various fronts, from climate resilience to capacity building. The first FIPIC Summit held in Suva, Fiji, in November 2014, with President Anote Tong attending, was a pivotal event that underscored the growing partnership between India and Pacific island nations. During this summit, President Tong engaged in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, further solidifying the diplomatic rapport between Kiribati and India.
Overall, the evolving relationship between India and Kiribati reflects a commitment to mutual development, regional cooperation, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change. As both nations continue to engage through various platforms, the foundation laid over the years is likely to yield further productive outcomes in their diplomatic journey.
Bilateral Trade Dynamics
Over the years, bilateral trade between India and Kiribati has experienced notable fluctuations. In the early phase of this economic relationship, during the financial year 1996–97, trade volume was recorded at a modest US$260,000. This figure saw a significant increase, reaching $1.01 million by 2014–15. However, this positive trajectory faced a slight downturn in 2015–16, where trade dipped to $940,000, and interestingly, India did not import any products from Kiribati during that period. In 2014–15, India's exports to Kiribati amounted to $1 million, predominantly consisting of sugar and confectionery, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and components for non-railway vehicles. Kiribati's sole export to India during that financial year included plastics, valued at $10,000.
Enhanced Cooperation and Trade Initiatives
Recognition of the need to bolster trade between India and Pacific Island nations led to significant initiatives, especially highlighted during the 2nd FIPIC Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a FIPIC Trade Office, aimed at invigorating trade within the region. This initiative culminated in the opening of the FIPIC Business Accelerator on September 7, 2015, at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) premises in New Delhi. This trade office serves as a facilitator for new business opportunities and partnerships, aiming to streamline trade operations and enhance connectivity between India and Kiribati as well as other Pacific Island countries.
In addition to the FIPIC Trade Office, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has recognized the importance of enhancing trade relations with Pacific nations. To support this goal, CII has established a dedicated department within its headquarters in New Delhi that focuses on promoting trade and investment opportunities specifically with Pacific Island countries. This initiative underscores India's broader commitment to strengthening its ties with Kiribati and the Pacific region, fostering economic growth and enhancing collaboration across various sectors.
Looking Forward
The future of India-Kiribati trade relations holds promise, supported by these institutional frameworks and ongoing dialogues. As both nations explore avenues for mutual benefit, it is crucial to identify and leverage unique products and services that can enhance trade. Continued cooperation in areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and technology exchange may pave the way for not just improved trade figures but also a synergistic relationship that reflects the aspirations of both countries. With sustained efforts, the trade relationship between India and Kiribati could evolve into a strategic partnership, fostering economic resilience and development for both nations.
Foreign Aid Initiatives
India's commitment to enhancing its relations with Kiribati is evident through its various foreign aid initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and healthcare in the country. In March 2006, India donated prosthetic and orthodontic components worth nearly AU$16,000 to the Tungaru Central Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, highlighting its focus on improving health services for the I-Kiribati people. Following this, in February 2008, India provided a grant-in-aid of AU$137,000 to upgrade the Kiribati Government Printing Press, showing its effort to boost local capabilities in media and communication.
In June 2009, further support was offered in the form of AU$316,000, aimed at procuring a 500 KW generator and overhead cables in Kirimati Island, which is crucial for ensuring a stable electricity supply to the area. Moreover, in December 2012, India extended its support by providing US$26,000 for a cherry picker truck and US$135,000 for the renovation of three clinics. These contributions reflect India's strategic approach to fostering sustainable development in Kiribati through targeted investments in essential services.
Commitment to Pacific Island Countries
At the Post Forum Dialogue partner meeting in 2006, India announced a significant grant-in-aid of US$100,000 annually for each of the 14 Pacific Island countries, which included Kiribati. This amount was later increased to US$125,000 annually starting in 2009, reinforcing India's commitment to the development of the region. During the first FIPIC Summit on November 19, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering relations with Pacific Island countries. This included the introduction of eased visa policies and an increase in the grant-in-aid to US$200,000 for each country annually, alongside measures designed to enhance bilateral trade and developmental aid.
Outreach through Education and Cultural Exchange
India also plays a pivotal role in fostering educational opportunities and cultural exchanges with Kiribati. The "Hole-in-Wall" computer education project exemplifies India's innovative approach, where computers are installed to facilitate learning for I-Kiribati children. This initiative not only promotes digital literacy but also empowers the youth with essential technological skills.
Moreover, citizens of Kiribati have access to scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, which further demonstrates India's investment in human resource development in the island nation. In May 2015, I-Kiribati diplomats participated in a special training course organized by the Indian Foreign Service Institute, designed for diplomats from Pacific Island countries and held in Fiji and Palau. This initiative reflects India's broader strategy of fostering diplomatic ties and enhancing governance capabilities among its partners in the Pacific through specialized training programs.