India has been a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) since 2002
India’s engagement with the Pacific Islands Countries is set to take another stride forward with the forthcoming visit of Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita to the Kingdom of Tonga from August 28-29, 2024. 
 
This visit, which will mark India's first-ever ministerial-level participation in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting with Dialogue Partners, underscores the growing importance New Delhi attaches to its relationships in the Pacific region. The visit is not just a diplomatic engagement; it is part of a broader strategy to enhance India’s influence and partnerships in a region that is increasingly seen as critical to global geopolitics.
 
The Significance of Pacific Islands Countries
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is the premier intergovernmental organization in the Pacific region, comprising 18 members, including Australia, New Zealand, and 16 Pacific Island countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. Since 2002, India has been a Dialogue Partner of the PIF, a status that has allowed it to engage with the region's leaders on a range of issues.
 
This latest engagement follows the successful 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held in May 2023, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
 
That summit highlighted India’s strategic interest in the Pacific region and laid the foundation for more intensive and frequent interactions between India and the Pacific Islands nations. It resulted in several important initiatives, including enhanced cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, disaster management, and digital connectivity.
 
The Pacific region, often referred to as the “Blue Continent,” has emerged as a significant area of interest for global powers due to its vast maritime resources, strategic location, and the potential for geopolitical influence. For India, engaging with the Pacific Islands countries is part of a broader strategy that aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations are respected.
 
The Pacific Islands are also vital for India’s energy security and maritime interests. The region's Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) cover vast areas rich in marine resources, and the Pacific Ocean itself is a critical route for global maritime trade. By strengthening its ties with the Pacific Island nations, India is not only securing its economic and strategic interests but also contributing to the stability and security of the wider Indo-Pacific region.
 
India, Tonga set to Explore new Avenues for Collaboration
India’s relationship with Tonga is emblematic of its broader approach to the Pacific region, which is built on the principles of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. 
 
India and Tonga have enjoyed a close and friendly relationship for decades, with the late King Tupou IV and Queen visiting India in 1971 and 1976, respectively. These visits laid the groundwork for a partnership that has been marked by mutual respect and shared values. In recent years, this partnership has been strengthened by India’s proactive outreach to the Pacific Island countries, particularly through initiatives like the FIPIC.
 
The upcoming visit by Minister Margherita to Tonga is expected to reinforce these ties, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas such as capacity building, climate change, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
 
During his visit to Tonga, Minister Margherita is expected to hold high-level bilateral meetings with Tongan leaders, where discussions will likely focus on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and education. These engagements will provide an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by small island developing states like Tonga.
 
Spotlight on Issues Like Climate Change, Sustainable Development
The Pacific Islands Forum serves as the primary platform for dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the Pacific region. India’s participation in the 53rd PIF Leaders’ Meeting as a Dialogue Partner is an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with the region and to contribute to discussions on key issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and regional security.
 
Climate change is a particularly pressing issue for the Pacific Island countries, many of which are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of marine ecosystems pose existential threats to these nations. India, as a responsible global player, has consistently advocated for stronger international action on climate change and has offered its expertise and resources to help Pacific Island countries build resilience against these challenges.
 
In addition to climate change, the PIF Leaders’ Meeting will likely address other critical issues such as regional security, economic development, and the sustainable management of marine resources. India’s participation in these discussions underscores its commitment to working with the Pacific Island countries to address shared challenges and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
 
The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) has emerged as a key mechanism for India’s engagement with the Pacific Island countries. Since its inception in 2014, FIPIC has facilitated closer ties between India and the Pacific nations, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and climate change mitigation.