Indian engagement with 14 Pacific Island nations begins today

August 21, 2015 08:47

India is expected to push for deeper engagement with 14 resource-rich Pacific Island nations today at a summit of the countries of strategically important South Pacific region where China has strong presence.

The 2nd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit, being hosted by India in Jaipur, is aimed at stepping up cooperation with the island nations, some which have large oil and gas reserves.

Heads of states or governments of at least nine countries of the grouping are participating at the summit which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ahead of the meet, Modi has expressed hope that the summit will strengthen India's bonds with the 14 nations.

"I am very optimistic about FIPIC Summit. Am sure it will strengthen India's bond with the Pacific island nations," he said.

The sectors that India will look for deeper cooperation with the island nations include oil and natural gas, mining, IT, health care, fishing and marine research.

The island nations is taking part in the FIPIC summit include Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Niue, Palau, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

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