Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation:
The Ministry of External Affairs hosted a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in New York.
- It is a multilateral platform established by India to enhance cooperation with the Pacific Island countries.
- It was established in 2014 during the Prime Minister of India’s visit to Fiji
- Member countries: FIPIC includes 14 of the island countries – Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
- In line with the “Act East Policy”, through FIPIC, India has primarily focused its efforts on the Pacific Islands.
- At this moment, total annual trade of about $300 million between the Indian and Pacific Island countries, whereas exports are around $200 million and imports are around $100 million.
- Since from 2014 three FIPIC summits have been held, 1st 2014 (Suva, Fiji), 2nd 2015 (Jaipur, India), 3rd 2023 (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea).
- Key Initiatives of India related to FIPIC:
- Setting up of a special USD one million fund for adapting to climate change and clean energy, establishing a trade office in India
- Pan Pacific Islands e-network to improve digital connectivity,
- Visa on arrival at Indian airports for all the 14 Pacific Island countries,
- Cooperation in space technology applications for improving the quality of life of the islands, and training to diplomats from Pacific Island countries.
