Key Points

India's External Affairs Minister hosted a key meeting with Pacific Island nations in New York. The gathering focused on advancing a comprehensive development partnership agenda. Jaishankar also held productive bilateral talks with several Pacific leaders to strengthen ties. The event underscored India's growing engagement as a reliable partner in the region.

Key Points: Jaishankar Hosts FIPIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in New York

  • Jaishankar highlighted progress on PM Modi's 12-point FIPIC action plan
  • The meeting focused on health, technology, and capacity building partnerships
  • Bilateral talks were held with leaders from Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Palau
  • Jaishankar also met with foreign ministers from Cyprus and Mexico on UNGA sidelines
3 min read

India hosts FIPIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in NY, strengthens ties with Pacific Island nations

EAM Jaishankar hosts FIPIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in NY, advancing PM Modi's 12-point action plan for Pacific Island nations.

"India and Pacific Island countries are development partners. Our agenda is people-centric and focused on health, technology, capacity building and training. - S Jaishankar"

New York, September 25

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted the Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in New York, highlighting the progress of a 12-point action plan outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the FIPIC-III Summit.

The meeting, held on Wednesday (local time) on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, underscored India's role as a development partner to Pacific Island nations, with a focus on health, technology, capacity building, and training.

In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Delighted to host the FIPIC Foreign Ministers Meeting today in New York. Glad to note that the 12-point action plan announced by PM Narendra Modi at the FIPIC-III Summit is progressing well. India and Pacific Island countries are development partners. Our agenda is people-centric and focused on health, technology, capacity building and training."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970897575705268380

Jaishankar also engaged in bilateral discussions with several Pacific Island leaders on the margins of the FMM.

He described a "good conversation" with Tonga Prime Minister Aisake Valu Eke and expressed pleasure in meeting Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970901844114182500

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He also noted a "nice" interaction with Palau's Minister of State, Gustav Aitaro, a "warm exchange of words" with Tuvalu's Foreign Minister, Paulson Panapa, and was "glad" to meet Marshall Islands' Foreign Minister, Kalani Kaneko, reinforcing India's commitment to deepening ties with the region.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970903815596671281

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Beyond the FIPIC engagements, Jaishankar held productive talks with the Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.

"Always great meeting FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus. Reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since the successful visit of PM Narendra Modi. Appreciate his insights on developments in Europe. Reaffirmed support for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant UNSC resolutions. Look forward to welcoming him in India soon," Jaishankar posted on X.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1970976940933906884

Kombos reciprocated, saying, "Always a distinct pleasure to meet with India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. Discussion focused on further steps of the Cyprus-India strategic partnership, pertinent international issues, and the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Grateful for India's long-standing principled support on the Cyprus Issue and its upholding of international law. Looking forward to my visit to India soon."

Jaishankar also met Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, emphasising a forward-looking approach to bilateral relations.

"Delighted to meet Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, in New York today. We agreed to build on our recent exchanges and create a fresh roadmap for strengthening our bilateral ties," he noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see India expanding its global footprint. These small island nations often get ignored by bigger powers, but they're strategically important. Hope this leads to more trade opportunities for Indian businesses too.
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope we're also focusing on our immediate neighbors in South Asia. Sometimes it feels like we're reaching far while relationships closer home need attention. Just a thought.
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Arjun K
Dr. Jaishankar is doing fantastic work! The way he's building relationships across the globe shows India's growing diplomatic strength. Pacific Islands may be small, but they have votes in international forums. Smart move! 👏
M
Michael C
Interesting development. India's engagement with Pacific Islands could bring much-needed development assistance to these nations. The focus on capacity building and training is particularly valuable for long-term growth.
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Kavya N
I'm proud to see India taking leadership in the Pacific region. The people-centric approach mentioned by EAM is exactly what differentiates us from other global powers. Hope our IT and healthcare expertise benefits these island nations significantly.
V
Vikram M
The bilateral meetings with Cyprus and Mexico show comprehensive diplomacy at work. Building multiple strategic partnerships simultaneously - this is how India should position itself on the global stage. Good work

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