Pabitra Margherita, the first Minister of State for External Affairs from Assam, proudly represented India at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Dialogue Partners Meeting in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. His leadership at this international platform highlights Assam's growing influence on the global stage, marking a moment of pride for the state.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, brought together leaders, ministers, and representatives from 21 partner countries, including India, Canada, Japan, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and France. India was given the first speaking opportunity, underscoring the significance of its relationship with Pacific Island nations.
During his address, Margherita reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting the developmental goals of Pacific Island countries and assisting them in tackling key challenges such as climate change. He also highlighted key initiatives announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2023 Forum for India-Pacific Islands Countries (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea. These initiatives include a 12-point action plan featuring the creation of a 100-bed regional super-specialty hospital in Suva, Fiji, the establishment of a Regional IT and Cyber Security Training Hub in Papua New Guinea, the provision of 1,000 scholarships over five years, and the supply of dialysis units and generic medicine pharmacy outlets.
Additionally, Margherita introduced a new initiative by the Indian government to fund Quick Impact Projects in 14 Pacific Island nations. Each project, valued at USD 50,000, is designed to meet immediate needs and enhance developmental outcomes across the region.
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