PM Narendra Modi co-chairs the 14-nation FIPIC summit in Papua New Guinea

PM Narendra Modi co-chaired the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit with Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea. 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are participating in the summit. Later, PM Modi held bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, many important issues like climate change were discussed between the two leaders.

On the occasion, PM Modi said that the impact of the Covid epidemic has been maximum on the Global South countries. Challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, hunger, poverty and health were already prevailing, now new problems such as fuel, fertilizer and pharma are arising, there are also obstacles in its supply. Those whom we considered trustworthy, it turned out that they were not standing by our side in times of need. During these challenging times, an old saying has proven true: “A Friend in need is a friend indeed.”

PM Modi added, “I am glad that India stood with its Pacific island friends during this challenging time. As I have said before, for me, you are not Small Island States, but Large Ocean Countries. It is this vast ocean that connects India with all of you. The Indian philosophy has always viewed the world as one family.

This year, in January, we organized the Voice of Global South Summit, in which your representatives participated and shared their thoughts. India considers it a responsibility to bring the issues, expectations and aspirations of the Global South to the attention of the world through the G-20 platform. In the last two days, I have made the same effort at the G-7 outreach Summit as well. India has set ambitious targets on the issue of climate change, and I am pleased that we are working rapidly towards them.

Addressing the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit, PM Modi further said,” I launched Mission Life means Lifestyle for Environment, along with the UN Secretary General. India has taken initiatives like International Solar Alliance and CDRI. I understand that most of the countries are associated with the Solar Alliance.”