2023-05-23 23:56:46
NEW DELHI – By announcing a 12-point action plan for the Pacific islands, the stage has been set for India’s strategic move to curb China’s influence in those countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the plan at the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit in Port Moresbay, Papua New Guinea. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country.
Modi promised that India would remain a ‘good friend’ with the Pacific islands. India’s aim is to block China’s moves to exert influence in the region. In April last year, China signed a military cooperation agreement with the Solomon Islands. India, which did not condemn Russia in the Ukraine war, is showing signs of getting closer to the West again in Modi’s three-nation visit.
In his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi had promised to do everything possible to resolve the issue. The fact that India does not stand against China’s trade interests even though it does not have a friendly attitude towards China has caused discomfort in countries including the US. A move to influence Pacific Island countries can overcome that.
The US is using India’s influence to reduce China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Associations including quads are for that. China is gaining ground in many areas by helping with infrastructure development and providing cheap loans. India offers cooperation in areas such as health, sustainable development and cyber security.
100 Bed Super Specialty Hospital in Fiji, IT–Cyber Security Hub in Papua New Guinea, Sagar Amrit Scholarships in all countries, 1000 scholarships for next 5 years, Jaipur Leg Transplant Camp in Papua New Guinea, 2 times a year similar camps in all countries after that, Solar Projects, SME Development Scheme , supply of clean water, supply of sea ambulances, dialysis units, 24-hour helplines, folk medicine centers and yoga centers are among the projects implemented by India. Modi also inaugurated a coastal-ocean research institute in Fiji.
Aid to 14 island nations
India has announced assistance to 14 Pacific Island countries namely Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonka, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Apart from these, Australia and New Zealand are countries in this region.
English Summary: India woos pacific island nations with projects
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