India reached out to small Pacific islands to hold their hand and reassure them on existential issues such as the effect of climate change, health and education, even as the islands said bluntly they were not ready to be used in the geopolitics of big powers in the region.
Without naming any nations, Fiji Prime Minister J V Bainimarama was categorical in saying Pacific states did not want to be exploited by other countries.
"They want support on the issues of climate change, especially mitigation, and don't want to get involved in geopolitics," said Anil Wadhwa, secretary (east) in the ministry of external affairs, while briefing reporters on the second Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) here on Friday.
India offered a host of opportunities for cooperation with these 14 countries on issues of their concern. The Indian Navy will extend the same package of security-cum-hydrological survey assistance to these countries that it has for the Indian Ocean region. Goodwill visits by the navy were also offered. India will set up a 'space technology applications centre' in one of the countries. New Delhi has offered capacity creation for dealing with natural disasters. For skill development and other technical help, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme will provide more slots to these countries.
Two scholarships will be offered for college education in India to each of the 13 countries that do not receive these yet, while continuing with the 33 scholarships offered to Fiji at present. A two-week business management course at the Indian Institute of Management in Bengaluru will also be offered.
Seventy women solar engineers will be trained and India will provide solar electrification to 2,800 houses, 200 houses in each Pacific Island country. In addition to the FIPIC Trade Office in New Delhi, India will support the development of micro, small and medium enterprises.
"Supply of generic drugs from India is currently routed through third countries and are, therefore, very expensive. We are ready to set up a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant and distribution centre in the Pacific Island region and are pleased to offer a Line of Credit for this project," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The pattern of cooperation with these countries mimicked the approach India has adopted in Africa, concentrating on development rather than exploitation of local resources.
The Indian PM said all countries are equal in the United Nations and sought the support of these nations in jointly reforming the United Nations.
