23 May FORUM FOR INDIA PACIFIC ISLANDS COOPERATION (FIPIC)
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “FIPIC”.The topic “FIPIC” has relevance in the International Relations section for the UPSC CSE exam.
Relevance of the topic “FIPIC”
For Prelims:
What is FIPIC and its Composition?
For Mains:
GS 2: International Relations
Significance of FIPIC?
What is the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” Concept?
Why in the news?
PM Modi underlines the importance of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in the FIPIC Summit in PAPUA NEW GUINEA.
What is FIPIC and its Composition?
FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) is a diplomatic forum established by India to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations with the Pacific Island countries. The forum was launched in 2014 during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Fiji. FIPIC holds periodic summits where leaders from India and the Pacific Island countries meet to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore avenues for cooperation.
The 14 Pacific island countries that agreed to be a part of FIPIC were The Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
What is the Significance of FIPIC?
- Expanding influence in the region: The Pacific Island countries hold strategic importance due to their location in the Indo-Pacific region. By actively engaging with these nations through FIPIC, India aims to expand its influence and presence in the region. It helps India to counterbalance the growing influence of other regional powers(CHINA) and establish itself as a key player in the Indo-Pacific.
- Economic cooperation and development: FIPIC provides a framework for enhancing economic cooperation between India and the Pacific Island countries. It facilitates discussions on trade, investment, and development cooperation. India has offered lines of credit and assistance in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, and capacity building to support the development goals of these countries.
- Addressing climate change and environmental challenges: The Pacific Island countries are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. FIPIC serves as a platform for India to collaborate with these nations in addressing climate change and environmental challenges. India has emphasized the need for climate justice and has pledged support to the Pacific Island countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
- People-to-people exchanges and cultural ties: FIPIC promotes people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation between India and the Pacific Island countries. It facilitates interactions among government officials, business leaders, scholars, artists, and civil society representatives. These exchanges help foster mutual understanding, cultural appreciation, and friendship between the peoples of India and the Pacific Island countries.
Overall, FIPIC holds significance for India in terms of expanding diplomatic ties, promoting economic cooperation, addressing global challenges, and strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It enables India to engage with the Pacific Island countries in a comprehensive manner and work towards shared goals of development, stability, and cooperation.
What is the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” Concept?
The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) is a strategic concept that promotes a vision of an inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. It emphasizes the principles of freedom, openness, transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The concept originated from discussions among countries, primarily the United States, Japan, Australia, and India, who share common interests in safeguarding regional stability, security, and economic prosperity from undue influence of Regional Powers(CHINA).
Key elements of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific include:
- Rule of law: Upholding and promoting the international rules-based order, which includes respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation and overflight of all nations in the region.
- Economic Connectivity: Encouraging open and transparent trade, investment, and economic cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Maritime Security: Ensuring the safety and security of the maritime domain, including the protection of sea lines of communication and maritime trade routes.
- Freedom and Openness: Promoting democratic values, human rights, and the free flow of goods, services, and ideas. It supports an inclusive and diverse region that respects the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
- Cooperation and Partnership: Encouraging collaboration among countries to address common challenges, such as natural disasters, terrorism, climate change, and non-proliferation.
Q.1 Consider the following Statements:
1.FIPIC is an economic forum initiated by India in the Pacific.
2.FIPIC has Indonesia and Sri Lanka as its members.
3.FIPIC aims for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)3 only
Answer:(d)
Q.2 Which of the following best describes the concept of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”?
(a) A military alliance formed by countries bordering the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
(b) An strategic initiative aimed at promoting trade, connectivity and establishing Rule Based Order in the Indo-Pacific region.
(c) A security agreement focused on countering terrorism and extremism in the Indo-Pacific region.
(d) A political framework designed to establish a single governing body for countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Answer:(b)
Q.3″Discuss the significance of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in the context of India’s engagement with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy.” (15 marks)
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