The forum for India-Pacific island cooperation

The Forum for India Pacific Cooperation (FIPIC) is a cooperation that was formed in the year 2014. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. The main aim of forming the forum for India Pacific cooperation (FIPIC) was to build a healthy and growing relationship between India and other Pacific nations. The forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) was created when the Prime Minister visited Fiji in the year 2014. 

There are more than 14 nations that are included in the FIPIC. They are Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. All these nations may differ from India and its characteristics, but they still share some common grounds with India. Due to this, it offers many opportunities for a healthy and fruitful association in the future. 

What is a forum for India-Pacific cooperation (FIPIC)? 

The forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) is a cooperation that was established between India and the Pacific countries of the world. There are more than 14 Pacific countries with whom India shares a healthy relationship. These 14 countries are the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. 

All of these countries have lands far smaller than that of India. Further, the diversity present in these foreign lands is a lot as well. However, it is of special interest that all these countries have their exclusive economic zones (EEZs). These economic zones can make the whole cooperation and association with these countries extremely friendly and fruitful in the future. 

India has established the Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) so that it can expand its growth and development towards the Pacific Nations of the world. In this way, India can engage more with the Pacific countries. 

What are the objectives of the Forum for India Pacific Cooperation? 

The various objectives of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) are mentioned below:

• The FIPIC helps in providing necessary information to India and the other Pacific nations of the world. 
• It also deals with the various prospects of the Trade and Investment plan of the Pacific nations.
• It helps in organising various meetings with the concerned authorities and the business people from both sides. It organises the initiation of these meetings that involve the consent of India as well as Pacific nations.
• Various matchmaking services are organised by the Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC). It is done in both online and offline mode. 
• The FIPIC also conducts various trade fairs and events for the Pacific nations of the world. 

What is the significance of the Forum for India Pacific Cooperation? 

The forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation (FIPIC) plays a significant role in the growth of India in the world position because: 

• It will help in the expansion of the growth and potential of India in foreign trade and exchange.
• It will establish a healthy and good relationship with other Pacific nations of the world. 
• It will establish the position of India worldwide.
• Since these countries have their exclusive economic zones or EEZs, it will prove to be effective shortly.
• It will help in establishing commercial and strategic management of the resources of the countries. 
• It will take the position of India higher and help in discussing the expansion of China. 
• The forum also means to focus on various other areas of interest in India and the Pacific countries. These include fisheries, food processing, agriculture, solar energy, wind energy, climate change, telecommunication, space cooperation, and so on. 
• The forum aids in the emergence of India as a contrasting and forceful power to China. 

When was the first summit of the Forum for India-Pacific cooperation conducted? 

The first summit of the Forum for India-Pacific cooperation was conducted in the year 2014 in Fiji. It was during the visit of our Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Narenda Modi, to Fiji. It was done after democracy was re-established in this country. After the establishment of the democracy after 8 years on this island country, Prime Minister Modi met with the leader of Fiji as well as the other leaders of the 14 Pacific nations that were present at the summit. Prime Minister Modi proposed the formation of the Forum for India-Pacific cooperation so that India can expand its friendliness and diplomatic relations with the 15 Pacific nations. 

PM Modi also proposed:

• The partnership of the Pacific nations with India will strengthen the development process of India as well as the other nations. 
• A special fund of 1 million dollars was to be given for the formation of the forum and its development only.
• The forum will also help in strengthening the digital connectivity of India with these countries.
• Moreover, it also proposes the idea of an extended visa. 
• Other ideas include the discussion of clean energy, climate change, and so on. 

Conclusion 

In this article, we discussed the setting up of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands cooperation. It was established in 2014 by Prime Minister Modi on his visit to Fiji. The main aim of forming the forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was to build a healthy and growing relationship between India and other Pacific nations. There are more than 14 nations that are included in the FIPIC. They are the Marshall Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands. This will not only enhance India’s position in the world but also improve its relationship with other Pacific nations.