India-Pacific Islands Relations: India Pushes Infra Project in Fiji

Context: An Indian Delegation in Fiji, led by a joint secretary of the Ministry for External Affairs, met the Deputy PM of Fiji to discuss the proposed 100-bed super specialty hospital. 

India’s Initiative in Fiji

• PM Modi had declared that India would construct a 100-bed super specialty hospital in Fiji during his visit to Pacific Island in February 2023.
• Target Audience: It will target the people of the Pacific islanders as well as patients from Australia and New Zealand.
• Indian Support: The hospital will be built, staffed, and operated by India. India will also provide the equipment in the hospital. 
• Other Collaboration: India is extending partnerships through the health sector, student exchange programs, and capacity building.

About India-Pacific Islands Relations

• Lack of Depth: India and Pacific Island relations have remained cold in the past due to the physical distance and lack of any compelling geopolitical or economic objective. 
• Historical Ties: Pacific Island countries, notably Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, have a shared history with India as both were members of the British Empire and have the presence of a large Indian Diaspora.

• Countries in the Pacific: The Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are among the 14 countries that make up the Pacific Islands, often known as Pacific Island Countries (PICs).

• Renewed Cooperation: It is since 2014 after the launching of FIPIC (Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation) that the relations have been renewed. 
  • FIPIC is a multinational grouping developed for cooperation between India and 14 Pacific Islands. 
  • During the first FIPIC meeting, twelve of the fourteen PICs pledged their support for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council (the two others, the Cook Islands and Niue, don’t have a vote in the UN).
• India as a leader of the Global South: PICs have also been supportive of India’s campaign to be the leading voice of the Global South.
• 3rd FIPIC Summit: In May 2023, India unveiled a 12-point action plan during the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit focusing on Healthcare Infrastructure development, Cyber Security Training hubs, addressing Climate Change, and establishing Solar Projects. 

India-Pacific Islands Relations: Challenges

• Opposition emerged between India and Pacific Island Countries in the COP28 when Vanuatu called out countries blocking progress on phasing out fossil fuels. 
  • India has taken a stand to replace ‘phase out’ with ‘phase down’ of coal use in COP 28. 
• Power Play in the Pacific: India and China are competing for the partnership with these nations, making it challenging for India. 
• Cultural distinctness: Diversity in culture and language makes it challenging to bridge the information gap and build meaningful relations. 
• Weak Institutions: The island countries’ weak governance and developing institutions are a significant bottleneck in executing benefits from the aid. 
• Economic Challenges: India is aspiring to become a manufacturing hub, while these islands are only small markets, thus hindering a large-scale partnership.

Must Read: UN Climate Summit 2023 or COP28: Outcomes, Agreements and Challenges

Source: The Economic Times