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Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, represented India at the Dialogue Partners Session of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga. The session, held in Nuku’alofa, brought together leaders, ministers, and representatives from Pacific Island countries and 21 dialogue partners, including India, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
During the session, India was notably given the first speaking slot, highlighting the importance of its relationship with the Pacific Island nations. Minister Margherita reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for the developmental aspirations of the Pacific Island countries, emphasizing the shared commitment to addressing challenges such as climate change.
In his address, Minister Margherita recalled the 12 Point Action Plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea in 2023. This plan includes the establishment of a 100-bed regional Super-specialty Hospital in Suva, Fiji, a Regional IT and Cyber Security Training Hub in Papua New Guinea, 1000 scholarships over five years, and the supply of Dialysis Units and Generic Medicine Pharmacy outlets.
Additionally, Minister Margherita announced India’s new initiative to support Quick Impact Projects in 14 Pacific Island countries. Each project, valued at USD 50,000, aims to address immediate needs and enhance development across the region.
