Why in the news?

  • The Ministry of External Affairs hosted a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in New York.

Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)

  • Formation: FIPIC is a multilateral platform established by India in 2014 during the PM’s visit to Fiji.
  • Aim:  It seeks to deepen ties with 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) under India’s Act East Policy.
  • Objectives
    • Strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations with PICs.
    • Address shared challenges: climate change, sustainable development, energy security, and capacity building.
    • Position India as a development partner in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Member Countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
  • Economy: Focus on blue economy, fisheries, IT, health, renewable energy, and capacity building.
  • Indian Initiatives under FIPIC
    • Climate & Clean Energy: Special USD 1 million fund for climate adaptation and renewable energy.
    • Connectivity: Pan-Pacific Islands e-network for digital links.
    • Trade Facilitation: Establishment of a trade office in India.
    • Visa Reforms: Visa on arrival for citizens of all 14 PICs.
    • Capacity Building: Training programs for diplomats and professionals.
    • Space Cooperation: Satellite applications for agriculture, weather, disaster management.
  • Significance
    •  Enhances India’s role in the Indo-Pacific strategic architecture.
    • Strengthens cooperation with Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
    • Provides India with diplomatic leverage in global climate change negotiations.
    • Counters China’s growing influence in the Pacific.