Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC): Strengthening Ties Across the Pacific

The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a multilateral platform established by India to strengthen cooperation and engagement with Pacific Island countries. This initiative aligns closely with India’s Act East Policy, aiming to foster economic, technological, and strategic partnerships with these island nations.

Latest News on FIPIC

Recently, the Indian External Affairs Ministry hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of FIPIC in New York, signaling India’s continued commitment to enhancing ties with the Pacific Island region. The discussions focused on climate change, economic cooperation, digital connectivity, and capacity-building initiatives.

About Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation

FIPIC was established in 2014 during the Prime Minister of India’s visit to Fiji. The forum serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between India and Pacific Island nations on a range of issues, including trade, climate change, energy, and capacity-building.

Member Countries of FIPIC

FIPIC comprises 14 Pacific Island countries:

• Cook Islands

• Fiji

• Kiribati

• Marshall Islands

• Micronesia

• Nauru

• Niue

• Palau

• Papua New Guinea

• Samoa

• Solomon Islands

• Tonga

• Tuvalu

• Vanuatu

Objectives and Significance

Through FIPIC, India aims to:

1. Strengthen economic ties with the Pacific Islands.

2. Promote digital and technological cooperation.

3. Support climate resilience and clean energy initiatives.

4. Enhance people-to-people exchanges and capacity building.

This engagement is a key element of India’s broader strategy to deepen its influence and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Economic Cooperation

Currently, the total annual trade between India and Pacific Island countries is around $300 million, with exports of $200 million and imports of $100 million. India has also established a trade office in India specifically for Pacific Island nations to facilitate bilateral commerce and investment.

FIPIC Summits

Since its inception, three FIPIC summits have been held:

1. 2014 – Suva, Fiji

2. 2015 – Jaipur, India

3. 2023 – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

These summits have been instrumental in shaping policies, launching initiatives, and fostering closer cooperation between India and the Pacific Islands.

Key Initiatives of India under FIPIC

India has launched several initiatives for the benefit of Pacific Island nations, including:

• USD 1 million special fund for climate change adaptation and clean energy projects.

• Pan Pacific Islands e-network to improve digital connectivity.

• Visa on arrival for citizens of all 14 Pacific Island countries at Indian airports.

• Space technology applications to improve quality of life in the islands.

• Training programs for diplomats from Pacific Island countries to enhance governance and administrative skills.

These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to sustainable development and capacity-building in the region.

Strategic Importance

FIPIC provides India with a strategic platform in the Indo-Pacific, enhancing its diplomatic presence, economic partnerships, and technological cooperation with island nations that play a crucial role in regional security, maritime cooperation, and climate action.

Conclusion

The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and its efforts to build strong partnerships in the Pacific region. Through trade, technology, climate initiatives, and people-to-people engagement, FIPIC continues to strengthen India’s strategic, economic, and diplomatic outreach, contributing to peace, development, and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific.

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