India announces Quick Impact Projects worth USD 50,000 each for 14 Pacific Island Countries
| 2024-08-29
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Dialogue Partners Session was held in Tonga on August 29, 2024.
India’s bilateral development partnership in the region is currently valued at USD 3 million per annum
In a significant display of India's growing engagement with the Pacific region, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita announced a series of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Pacific Island Countries during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Dialogue Partners Session held in Tonga on Thursday (August 29, 2024). Each of the 14 Pacific Island Countries will receive USD 50,000 to fund projects of their choice.
"As part of our continuous solidarity with our Pacific Partner Countries and the Pacific Islands Forum, I am pleased to announce that Government of India will undertake one Quick Impact Project or QIP of each country’s choice worth USD 50,000 in each of the 14 Pacific Island Countries. We will be happy to receive proposals in this regard from the respective countries," the MoS External Affairs said.
Addressing the gathering, which included the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Prime Minister of Tonga Hon’ble Siaosi Sovaleni, as well as heads of delegations from PIF members and Dialogue Partners, Margherita emphasized India's longstanding and multifaceted engagement with the Blue Pacific Continent. He highlighted that India's approach is rooted in the ancient philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," meaning "The World is One Family."
India’s bilateral development partnership in the region, currently valued at approximately USD 3 million per annum, has had a considerable impact across the 14 Pacific partner countries. These partnerships are largely demand-driven, focusing on sustainable development and capacity building.
Margherita further elaborated on India’s commitment to the region, citing the 12 Point Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit held in Papua New Guinea last year. This comprehensive plan includes 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, 1,000 scholarships over the next five years, and the provision of dialysis units and generic medicine pharmacy outlets across the region.
"India shares your concern regarding the threat posed by climate change and rising sea levels," Margherita stated, emphasizing India's progress in reducing its emission intensity by 33% between 2005 and 2019—11 years ahead of its 2030 target. He noted that India's leadership in global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) reflects its commitment to supporting the Pacific region in mitigating climate-related vulnerabilities.
The MoS also pointed out the benefits the Pacific countries have reaped from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, citing successful projects like the Parametric Microinsurance project in Fiji, the construction of water cisterns in Tuvalu, and the solarization of the Langafonua building of Tonga’s National Council for Women.
In addition to these initiatives, Margherita highlighted the recent 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS), which India hosted earlier this month. The summit, attended by representatives from over 120 countries, including many PIF members, focused on empowering the Global South for a sustainable future. The summit provided a crucial platform for the Pacific Island nations to voice their concerns and collaborate on shared goals, further strengthening India's role as a key partner in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Margherita reaffirmed India’s dedication to working closely with the Pacific Island nations through the PIF, aligning with the 2050 Strategy to help build a more resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent.
The announcement of the USD 50,000 QIPs underscores India's proactive role in fostering development and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Pacific Island nations. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of climate change, economic development, and geopolitical shifts, India's ongoing support and partnership will be crucial in shaping a sustainable future for the Blue Pacific.
"As part of our continuous solidarity with our Pacific Partner Countries and the Pacific Islands Forum, I am pleased to announce that Government of India will undertake one Quick Impact Project or QIP of each country’s choice worth USD 50,000 in each of the 14 Pacific Island Countries. We will be happy to receive proposals in this regard from the respective countries," the MoS External Affairs said.
Addressing the gathering, which included the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Prime Minister of Tonga Hon’ble Siaosi Sovaleni, as well as heads of delegations from PIF members and Dialogue Partners, Margherita emphasized India's longstanding and multifaceted engagement with the Blue Pacific Continent. He highlighted that India's approach is rooted in the ancient philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," meaning "The World is One Family."
India’s bilateral development partnership in the region, currently valued at approximately USD 3 million per annum, has had a considerable impact across the 14 Pacific partner countries. These partnerships are largely demand-driven, focusing on sustainable development and capacity building.
Margherita further elaborated on India’s commitment to the region, citing the 12 Point Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit held in Papua New Guinea last year. This comprehensive plan includes 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, 1,000 scholarships over the next five years, and the provision of dialysis units and generic medicine pharmacy outlets across the region.
"India shares your concern regarding the threat posed by climate change and rising sea levels," Margherita stated, emphasizing India's progress in reducing its emission intensity by 33% between 2005 and 2019—11 years ahead of its 2030 target. He noted that India's leadership in global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) reflects its commitment to supporting the Pacific region in mitigating climate-related vulnerabilities.
The MoS also pointed out the benefits the Pacific countries have reaped from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, citing successful projects like the Parametric Microinsurance project in Fiji, the construction of water cisterns in Tuvalu, and the solarization of the Langafonua building of Tonga’s National Council for Women.
In addition to these initiatives, Margherita highlighted the recent 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS), which India hosted earlier this month. The summit, attended by representatives from over 120 countries, including many PIF members, focused on empowering the Global South for a sustainable future. The summit provided a crucial platform for the Pacific Island nations to voice their concerns and collaborate on shared goals, further strengthening India's role as a key partner in the region.
In his concluding remarks, Margherita reaffirmed India’s dedication to working closely with the Pacific Island nations through the PIF, aligning with the 2050 Strategy to help build a more resilient and prosperous Blue Pacific Continent.
The announcement of the USD 50,000 QIPs underscores India's proactive role in fostering development and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Pacific Island nations. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of climate change, economic development, and geopolitical shifts, India's ongoing support and partnership will be crucial in shaping a sustainable future for the Blue Pacific.
Mamata Banerjee Challenges Election Commission in Supreme Court
The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has filed a petition against the Election Commission's decision to freeze the TMC's name and symbol.
|
Telangana High Court Disqualifies MLA Danam Nagender Amid Political Fallout
The Telangana High Court disqualifies MLA Danam Nagender, sparking reactions from the BJP and BRS, who criticise the Congress government.
|
Scottish Sikh Man Receives Bail in India After Nine-Year Detention
Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail in India after nearly nine years of detention related to alleged terrorism offences.
|
Delhi Police Investigate Gang-Rape and Murder of 16-Year-Old Girl
A tragic case in Delhi sees four teenagers accused of gang-rape and murder, with shocking details emerging about the victim's death.
|
Maldives Completes $150 Million Repayment to India After Extensions
The Maldives repays a $150 million loan to India, settling the last tranche after several extensions. India absorbed nearly $45 million in interest payments.
|