Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | – Establishment: The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was launched in November 2014 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Fiji. – Purpose: Strengthen cooperation between India and Pacific Island countries in areas such as trade, investment, climate change, sustainable development, and cultural exchange. – Headquarters: No permanent headquarters; summits are held periodically. |
| Objectives | – Economic Cooperation: Enhance trade and investment opportunities between India and Pacific Island nations. – Sustainable Development: Collaborate on addressing climate change, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. – Capacity Building: Offer training programs in healthcare, education, and technology. – Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural ties and people-to-people connections for mutual understanding. |
| Members (Dec 2024) | – India – 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs): Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. |
| Reports/Indices | – Joint Declarations: Document outcomes of FIPIC summits, outlining areas of collaboration and agreed initiatives. No standalone reports or indices have been published as of December 2024. |
| Instruments | – Joint Declarations: Issued after each FIPIC summit, detailing collaborative initiatives and commitments. – Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Agreements between India and Pacific Island countries on specific projects or areas of cooperation. |
| Structure | – Summits: High-level meetings to discuss cooperation; summits were held in Fiji (2014), Jaipur (2015), and Port Moresby (2023). – Co-Chairs: Typically, the Prime Minister of India and the head of state/government of the host Pacific Island nation. – Working Groups: Formed as needed to focus on specific areas of collaboration. |
| Subsidiary Organs | – Ad-hoc Committees and Task Forces: Established to implement specific initiatives or address urgent concerns. |
| Committees | – No Permanent Committees: FIPIC constitutes task forces or working groups for specific issues as required. |
| Initiatives | – Special Fund for Climate Change and Clean Energy: Established with US$1 million to support Pacific Island countries in climate adaptation and renewable energy. – Trade Office in India: Dedicated office to enhance trade relations with Pacific Island countries. – Pan Pacific Islands e-Network: A digital network to improve communication and connectivity. – Visa on Arrival Facility: Extended for all 14 Pacific Island countries to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges. – Space Cooperation: Collaboration in space technology applications for better services in Pacific Island nations. – Diplomatic Training Programs: Training diplomats from Pacific Island nations to strengthen ties. – 12-Point Development Agenda (2023): Focused on healthcare, renewable energy, and IT infrastructure. – Super-Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Fiji: Establishing advanced healthcare facilities. – Dialysis Units in PICs: Setting up dialysis units to address kidney-related health issues. – Sea Ambulances: Providing medical sea transport for remote islands. – International Year of Millets Promotion: Promoting millet cultivation for sustainable food security. |
