A Strong Statement of India's Commitment to the Pacific

India's growing engagement in the Pacific region took a significant step forward on August 28-29, 2024, as Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, traveled to Tonga to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting with Dialogue Partners.

The PIF is the preeminent intergovernmental organization in the Pacific region, uniting 18 member nations, including Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Since 2002, India has held the status of a Dialogue Partner, actively participating in the forum's discussions and initiatives.

India's Engagement Deepens with FIPIC

Minister Margherita's visit to Tonga follows the successful 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held in May 2023 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit laid the groundwork for a strengthened partnership between India and the Pacific Island nations. The FIPIC summit yielded a 12-point action plan, outlining India's commitment to supporting the region's development and addressing critical challenges such as climate change.

A Historic First for India

Minister Margherita's participation in the 53rd PIF Leaders’ Meeting marks a pivotal moment for India's presence in the Pacific. His attendance as a minister is a first, signaling a deepening of India's involvement in the forum. This visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Pacific Island Countries, including Tonga, and its willingness to play a more active role in regional affairs.

India-Tonga: A Historic Bond of Cooperation

India and Tonga share a long history of cooperation, rooted in mutual respect and understanding. The visit also represents a significant opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the existing bilateral partnership between India and Tonga, particularly in the areas of development and progress. This commitment to bolstering the relationship was further demonstrated through high-level bilateral discussions between Minister Margherita and Tongan leaders.

A Look Back at India-Tonga Relations

The relationship between India and Tonga dates back several decades, with historical exchanges between leaders of both nations. Late King Tupou IV and Queen paid state visits to India in 1971 and 1976, respectively. In 1981, India's former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Tonga, highlighting the longstanding connections between the two countries. Since the reopening of the High Commission of India in Suva, Fiji, in 1999, interaction between India and Tonga has steadily increased. In May 2002, Tonga's then Prime Minister and Foreign Minister visited India, demonstrating the commitment to furthering diplomatic relations.

India's Commitment to the Pacific: A Strategic Move

India's increased focus on the Pacific region has been evident in recent months. This commitment to a strong presence in the region was exemplified by President Droupadi Murmu's state visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste earlier in August. Minister Margherita's visit to Tonga further solidifies this approach, signaling India's strategic interest in building strong partnerships with Pacific Island nations and fostering cooperation on shared priorities.

India's Outreach: Strengthening Partnerships, Advancing Development

Minister Margherita's address to the PIF Dialogue Partners Meeting highlighted India's unwavering commitment to supporting the developmental aspirations of the Pacific Island Countries. He underscored India's willingness to assist these nations in overcoming challenges such as climate change, a critical issue for the region. His speech drew attention to the 12-point action plan announced by Prime Minister Modi during the 3rd FIPIC Summit, which outlined a range of initiatives aimed at supporting the Pacific Island countries' development needs. These initiatives include the establishment of a 100-bedded regional Super-specialty Hospital in Suva, Fiji, a Regional IT and Cyber Security Training Hub in Papua New Guinea, 1000 Scholarships over the next five years, the provision of Dialysis Units, and the opening of Generic Medicine Pharmacy outlets.

A Commitment to Quick Impact Projects

Minister Margherita made a significant announcement during his visit, declaring that the Government of India would be supporting Quick Impact Projects in 14 Pacific Island Countries. Each project, with a value of USD 50,000, is designed to address immediate needs within these communities and drive development outcomes across the Pacific region. This commitment to supporting targeted initiatives showcases India's commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people across the region.

India's Pacific Presence: A New Era of Cooperation

India's increased engagement in the Pacific region represents a strategic shift in its foreign policy, driven by a recognition of the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region. The PIF Leaders' Meeting provides a critical platform for India to deepen its ties with Pacific Island nations, discuss shared challenges, and collaborate on solutions that advance mutual prosperity and security. As India continues to expand its presence in the Pacific, the focus on forging strong partnerships with these nations will be crucial in shaping a more stable and prosperous future for the region.