New York, Sep 25: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met the leaders of the Pacific Island member states on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
During the India-Pacific Islands Leaders’ meeting on Sep 24, Modi vowed to take the strategic partnership between the two sides to new heights. Modi also said the Pacific Islands member states had always an “important” role in developing and deepening India-Pacific ties, as per ANI reports.
In a tweet, the Indian prime minister said: “In New York, I had the opportunity to meet leaders of the Pacific Islands and interact with them on ways to boost cooperation between our nations. Pacific Islands are at the core of our Act East Policy. Issues like climate change and disaster management were discussed.”
In New York, I had the opportunity to meet leaders of the Pacific Islands and interact with them on ways to boost cooperation between our nations. Pacific Islands are at the core of our Act East Policy. Issues like climate change and disaster management were discussed. pic.twitter.com/uGDi5EcVjJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2019
Addressing the meeting in New York, Modi said, “It is a matter of happiness that this meet has been organized. India has friendly relations with all, we are important partners in each others’ development. I welcome all the leaders and delegations,” adding, “We’ll take the strategic partnership to new heights and looking forward to strengthening it.”
Modi, during the India-Pacific Islands Developing States (PSIDS) meeting, called for increasing the share of renewable energy in total sharing. He also announced funds worth USD 12 million (USD 1 million to each PSIDS) for the implementation of high-impact development projects in the region of their choices, according to ANI.
“In addition, a concessional Line of Credit of USD 150 Million which can be availed by the PSIDS for undertaking solar, renewable energy and climate-related projects based on each country’s requirement was announced,” according to a press release issued by Indian external affairs ministry.
This meeting marked the first time when PM Narendra Modi had met PDISV leaders on the sidelines of the UN sessions in plurilateral form.
All leaders discussed wide-range issues, including enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, sharing of development experiences for the attainment of SDGs, joining the newly launched Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, capacity building, implementation of projects under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and a roadmap for future India-PSIDS cooperation.”
Modi said India is equally committed to resolving the issues surrounding Climate Change and support the endeavors of the PSIDS towards achieving desired and beneficial goals via technical and development measures.
“India would also welcome the visit of a Parliamentarian delegation from the PICs to India. To continue High-Level engagement, PM extended an invitation to all the leaders for the 3rd FIPIC Summit to be held in Port Moresby in the first half of 2020,” read the release.
The meeting was attended by the Republic of Kiribati, Heads of delegation of Fiji, Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Republic of Palau, The Independent State of Samoa, Kingdom of Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Republic of Vanuatu.