New York, September 23 (Udaipur Kiran) : India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, presented a comprehensive report on India’s development partnership with Pacific Island nations during the India-FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York on September 23. He highlighted various ongoing projects, including a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Fiji and solarization initiatives for 2,800 homes across 14 countries.
In his address, Jaishankar welcomed the attendees and expressed the importance of reviewing the progress made since the third FIPIC summit held in 2023. He emphasized two frameworks that have strengthened their relationship: the FIPIC framework and the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
Jaishankar noted that these initiatives have been crucial in enhancing livelihoods, building capacities, and promoting sustainable development. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Pacific Islands’ 2050 Strategy and provided updates on several key projects announced by Prime Minister Modi during the last summit.
Among the highlighted advancements was the construction of the super-specialty hospital in Fiji, which is expected to address healthcare needs in the region. He also mentioned the delivery of dialysis machines to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Palau, Nauru, Kiribati, and Marshall Islands, with ongoing processes for other member states.
Additionally, Jaishankar discussed the procurement of marine ambulances, with requests received for 20 units from 12 member states, expected to be delivered by March. Plans for an artificial lymphatic treatment camp in Fiji are also underway, targeting around 650 eligible patients.
India’s commitment extends to the recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia by Fiji, Nauru, and Solomon Islands, with an eagerness to share experiences from the People’s Pharmacy. The minister highlighted the supply of the first batch of medicines to Nauru.
Furthermore, India is focusing on excellence in IT, training local instructors, and solarizing homes in 14 Pacific Island nations. Jaishankar mentioned two ongoing projects related to health and water infrastructure funded by the UN Development Fund.
He concluded by discussing the potential for developing a specialized module to enhance the professionalism and capacity of people in the Pacific Islands, allowing them to come to India for training on priority subjects. Jaishankar also announced commitments for a Space Technology Application Centre in Papua New Guinea and a Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research Institute at the University of the South Pacific, reaffirming India’s dedication to these initiatives despite slower-than-expected progress.
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