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India has committed to encourage the aspirations of Pacific Island countries to the UN Security Council and invest in the Pacific Island nations, during the first regional summit of the NDA government.
In an effort to stitch a positive relationship with the Pacific Islands, Modi offered help their hydrography and coastal surveillance through the Indian Navy. This would facilitate them to have "a better understanding of their maritime zone and strengthen security of their EEZs".
The summit was attended by leaders of all 14 Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, Kiribati, Cook Islands, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Palau, Tuvalu, Niue, Solomon Islands, Nauru and Vanuatu. The President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan officially welcomed the leaders who toured the Taj Mahal prioir to the summit meeting in Jaipur.
PM Modi said, "India will support the realization of your vision of Pacific regionalism. It is a shining example of cooperative regionalism that should inspire others around the world.” PM explained the approach of India through mitigation measures and increase in targets of renewable energy.
Space assistance and assistance and assistance towards natural disasters were offered by Modi. - "Space assets and technology can help us in inventory of land and water resources; fish zoning; forest resources management; coastal and ocean studies; weather and climate change; and, disaster management support.”
Modi said, a FIPIC trade office will be set up in New Delhi besides setting up manufacturing units in these countries. As a special offer, free visas will be given to these countries.
Addressing the summit, Modi said, "We are at the cusp of a new era, where oceans, like space, will become important drivers of our economies. Their sustainable use can bring prosperity; and, give us clean energy, new medicines and food security beyond just fisheries,”
"Ocean is critical to India's future, too. That is why, in the past year, I have focused a lot on ocean economy, both in India and international engagement." India promised a new outlook to these islands.
-Sumana
