The Prime Minister of India has announced an increase in grant and in aid to each Pacific Island Country for community projects from 125,000 US dollars to 200,000 US dollars annually.
Narendra Modi made the announcement during his meeting with the Pacific leaders at Grand Pacific Hotel last night.
The Indian Express reports that Modi said India wishes to be a close partner of the Pacific Islands and announced setting up of a Special Adaptation Fund of one million US dollars adding that by setting this Fund India will be happy to provide technical assistance and training for capacity building to Pacific Island Partners.
The Prime Minister of India says they are also ready to support the setting up of a Trade Office in New Delhi to promote trade between India and Pacific Island countries.
He added that they will also provide complimentary space to Pacific Island countries during exhibitions organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization to showcase their products.
Modi said they can also conduct research in traditional medicine and explore options of developing healthcare facilities for the benefit of the people in the region.
Modi has also offered cooperation in use of space technology application saying that they can look at possibilities of sharing data which can be used for monitoring climate change, resource management, disaster risk reduction and management.
He added that they are also working on a solar energy project with the Pacific Islands at community level and regional hubs will be developed in the Pacific Islands.
The Indian Prime Minister has also proposed a forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation to be held on a regular basis and has invited the leaders for the next meeting in New Delhi next year.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations