India has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of the Pacific Islands. However, for many years, India's engagement with these nations was limited and sporadic, with little to no sustained effort to strengthen ties. But all of that changed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014.
During his first visit to Fiji in 2014, PM Modi announced a significant increase in India's aid to the region from $125 million to $200 million over the next five years. He also pledged to increase cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and renewable energy. Since then, India has continued to build strong ties with the Pacific Island nations, carving out a niche for itself as a trusted partner and a friend.
India's engagement with the Pacific Island nations has already yielded some significant results:
Area | Example |
---|---|
Trade | In 2020, India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fiji to increase cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism, and agriculture. |
Aid | In 2019, India provided a $20 million line of credit to Fiji to fund various development projects. |
Renewable Energy | In 2016, India signed a MoU with Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) to work together on renewable energy solutions, such as solar power, for the region. |
Education | In 2018, India announced scholarships for Pacific Island students to study in India, with a focus on science and technology. |
These are just a few examples of the kind of collaboration that is happening between India and the Pacific Island nations.
5 Ways PM Modi is Taking India's Engagement with the Pacific Island Nations to the Next Level
In 2019, a team of doctors from India conducted a medical camp in Fiji, providing free healthcare to people in need. Many locals were grateful for the assistance, and it helped to strengthen the bond between the two countries.
Another example is the partnership between India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which aims to provide affordable and sustainable energy to all. The Pacific Island nations have a lot of potential for solar power, and India's expertise in this area can help to unlock this potential.
If you're interested in getting involved with India's engagement with the Pacific Island nations, here are some practical tips:
Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog
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