Dialogue Partners Session of the 53rd Pacific Island Countries Leaders Forum in Tonga

Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita paid a visit to Tonga on 28 Aug 2024 to attend the Dialogue Partners Meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) representing Government of India and exchanged views with Pacific Island countries and regional leaders.

The Dialogue Partners Meeting was held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and attended by PIF leaders, ministers, and representatives from partner countries outside the region (21 dialogue partners includes India, Canada, Japan, South Korea, United States, United Kingdom, Norway, France etc.)

Attendees from the dialogue partner countries included prominent ministerial and special envoy representatives from Japan, Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, China, and others.

India was notably given the first speaking slot at the dialogue partners session, underscoring the significance the Pacific Island Forum countries place on their relationship with India. Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, addressed the forum, reaffirming India’s unwavering support for the developmental aspirations of the Pacific Island Countries and their efforts to overcome challenges including combating climate change.

In his address, Minister Margherita recalled the announcements made by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the 3rd FIPIC (Forum for India Pacific Island countries) Summit held in Papua New Guinea in 2023 outlining a 12 Point Action Plan which included the setting up of a 100-bedded regional Super-specialty Hospital in Suva, Fiji, a Regional IT and Cyber Security Training Hub in Papua New Guinea, 1000 Scholarships over the next five years, supply of Dialysis Units, and Generic Medicine Pharmacy outlets.

In addition, Minister Margherita today announced Govt of India’s initiative to support Quick Impact Projects in 14 Pacific Island Countries. Each project, valued at USD 50,000, aims to address immediate needs of the masses and enhance developmental outcomes across the region.