India gains strategic partner status in the Pacific Islands Forum

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that India has been admitted to the Strategic Partner stream of the Pacific Islands Forum, describing it as a positive step for bilateral ties. Speaking at the India-FIPIC foreign ministers’ meeting during the 81st UN General Assembly, he cited progress since the 2023 FIPIC summit, including the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and several development projects. Notable initiatives include a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Fiji, plans to deliver 20 sea-ambulances by March 2027, and an upcoming artificial-limb camp for about 650 patients.

India has also solarised 2,800 homes across 14 island nations and trained 70 women as solar engineers. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for the Pacific’s 2050 Blue Ocean strategy, its climate-resilience efforts, and urged members to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure.