External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met with representatives of Pacific Island nations at the India-FIPIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Jaishankar welcomed the representatives to the Indian Mission in New York, highlighting that the discussions would focus on progress achieved since the third FIPIC Summit in 2023.
Jaishankar emphasized that India's relationship with Pacific Island countries has grown through two major frameworks: the FIPIC framework and the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. These frameworks have enabled India to undertake projects that strengthen livelihoods, build capacity, and promote sustainable development in the region. The Minister expressed his commitment to further enhancing this partnership.
One of the key initiatives discussed was the procurement and supply of sea ambulances to Pacific Island nations. Jaishankar mentioned that 12 member states had requested a total of 20 units, and India was working towards delivering them by March 2027. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services in the region.
Jaishankar also proposed developing customized capacity-building modules for Pacific Island countries based on their specific priorities. He suggested that the Pacific Island nations identify areas where they need capacity strengthening, and India would develop tailored modules for training. This initiative would enable people from the region to come to India for training in areas identified as priorities.
In addition to discussing development partnerships, Jaishankar called for urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council. He co-chaired the L.69 Consultative Ministerial Interaction on UNSC reform along with Foreign Minister Alva Baptiste of Saint Lucia. Jaishankar emphasized that the inability of the UN Security Council to address ongoing conflicts and threats to international peace and security highlights the need for change.
Jaishankar stated that the Global South has been significantly impacted by unprecedented changes taking place across the world, and the UN has fallen short of expectations. He stressed that continued delays in reforming the UNSC perpetuate historical injustice. The L.69 and C.10 groups are joining forces to push for reforms of the United Nations Security Council.
The meeting was an opportunity for Jaishankar to engage with Pacific Island nations and discuss ways to strengthen India's development partnership with the region. The discussions focused on taking stock of progress achieved and exploring new areas of cooperation. Key initiatives, such as the procurement of sea ambulances and customized capacity-building modules, aim to promote sustainable development and strengthen livelihoods in the region.
Key points
- India and Pacific Island nations discuss development partnership at FIPIC Foreign Ministers' Meeting
- Jaishankar calls for urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council
- India to deliver sea ambulances to Pacific Island nations by March 2027
