India deepens ties with Pacific nations with 12-point plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a 12-step programme to propel India’s partnerships with Pacific Island countries. The prime minister made the announcement while co-chairing the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea today. A friend in need is a friend indeed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told leaders of 14 Pacific Island nations invoking the old proverb and said those considered trustworthy were “not standing by our sides in times of need”, in what is being seen as an oblique reference to China. In his address to the leaders at a summit in here, Modi said India stood by the Pacific Island nations in the challenging time and conveyed to them that they can consider New Delhi as a “reliable” development partner as it respects their priorities and its approach for cooperation is based on human values.

The prime minister, who arrived here on Sunday on the second leg of his three-nation tour, also underlined the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific for the Pacific Island nations and said India respects the sovereignty and integrity of all countries.

In his remarks at the FIPIC summit, Modi assured the island nations that India is ready to share its capabilities and experiences with them “without any hesitation” and “we are with you in every way.” The prime minister’s comments in the capital city of Papua New Guinea came amid China’s aggressive behaviour in the region as well as its efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific island nations. “Those whom we considered trustworthy, it turned out that they were not standing by our side in times of need. During these challenging times, an old saying has proven true: ‘A Friend in need is a friend indeed’,” he said while talking about the adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic and other global challenges.
“I am glad that India stood with its Pacific island friends during this challenging time. Whether it was vaccines or essential medicines, wheat or sugar; India, in line with its capabilities, has been assisting all partner countries,” he said. The prime minister said India’s approach to development partnership is based on “human values”. “India respects your priorities. It feels proud to be your development partner. Whether it’s humanitarian assistance or your development, you can count India as a reliable partner. Our perspective is based on human values,” he said. Explaining India’s priorities for the island nations, Modi said: “For me, you are not small island states, but large ocean countries. It is this vast ocean that connects India with all of you. Indian philosophy has always viewed the world as one family.”