On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 12-step plan to advance India’s relations with the Pacific Island nations.
“It will solidify the shared goal of a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific and meet the developmental aspirations of the region’s citizens. achieve and solidify the shared goal of an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, and wealthy, said Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the ministry of external affairs. In Papua New Guinea today, the prime minister co-chaired the third summit of the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).Taking to Twitter, the MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi listed out all the 12 steps announced by PM Modi. The first of the announcements include opening up a new 100-bed regional super speciality hospital in Fiji and to set up a Regional IT and Cyber Security Training Hub in Papua New Guinea.
“Sagar Amrut Scholarships -1000 scholarships in the next 5 years, Jaipur Foot Camp in Papua New Guinea in 2023. Thereafter, two camps annually in other Pacific Island Countries,” Bagchi said.
“FIPIC SME Development Project, Solar project for Government buildings, Provide desalination units for drinking water, Supply sea ambulances, Set up dialysis units, Set up of 24×7 emergency helpline, Set up of Jan Aushadi Kendras, Set up Yoga centres,” he added.
PM Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea on May 21 at the Port Moresby airport where a rare moment was witnessed by the audience. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape touched PM Modi’s feet and sought his blessings.
Upon PM Modi’s arrival, the Indian national anthem was played and the two prime ministers stood still in respect. PM Modi was also accorded a guard of honour on his arrival.
This is PM Modi’s first tour to PNG, as well as the first-ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the Indo-Pacific country.India supports a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, according to Prime Minister Modi, who today co-chaired the third FIPIC Summit.
On the fringes of the FIPIC Summit, PM Modi spoke with the president of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr., the premier of Niue, Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi, the prime minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, the minister of the Marshall Islands, Kitlang Kabua, the secretary general of the PIF, Henry Puna, and many other Pacific-Indo countries.