By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Palikir, Pohnpei –The Federated States of Micronesia and India have agreed to advance “mutual priorities of interest” and elevate their diplomatic relations to “greater heights.”
FSM President Wesley Simina welcomed Pabitra Margherita, India’s minister of State for External Affairs, to Palikir during a historic visit to the Pacific island nation from Jan. 18 to 21.
According to a press release from the FSM government, Simina and Margherita discussed bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as India’s "support" for the construction of the One UN House Micronesia Complex.
It wasn't clear, however, if India has offered financial support for the project, which will serve as a centralized hub for UN agencies operating across the Micronesian region.
Simina said Margherita’s visit underscored the “importance of strengthening ties between the FSM and India” and “represented a shared vision of sustainability, prosperity, and deeper cooperation, reinforcing the foundation for a lasting partnership.”
Besides the UN House project, India has also agreed to support the construction of the FSM National Diagnostic Center.
The FSM and Indian leaders have proposed a memorandum of understanding on Development Cooperation in the areas of bilateral trade and investment, education, health and medical technology, labor mobility, maritime technology and services, sea transportation, climate change, environment, water and energy, infrastructure development, technology and cyber security, agriculture and forestry, tourism and sports.
“The visit also highlighted both nations’ shared interest in advancing regional engagement, particularly through the upcoming Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation, the Pacific Island Forum in the Solomon Islands, and the UN General Assembly in September,” the FSM government said.
India is becoming a prominent partner to countries in the Pacific region.
“In an era when India’s influence is expanding and geopolitical instability demands friends rather than foes, fostering constructive relationships is more crucial than ever,” according to S. Yash Kalash, research director at the Center for International Government and Innovation, an India-based think tank.
“India’s rising stature on the global chessboard makes it a pivotal player in the Indo-Pacific. Through strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing regional stability and security, the country is seeking to consolidate its interests,” Kalash wrote in a commentary piece published on the think tanks’ website.
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