India has announced plans to develop community infrastructure projects in the Marshall Islands. The initiative includes constructing a community sports centre, an airport terminal, and two community centres. An MoU was signed on Monday as part of India’s annual grant-in-aid.
At the signing ceremony, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, stated, “These projects will provide better infrastructure for the people of the Marshall Islands. India recognises the priorities and needs of the Pacific island nations.”
India is also addressing healthcare needs in the Marshall Islands by providing desalination and dialysis units. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted areas of cooperation, including healthcare, education, and clean water facilities, as part of India’s broader strategy to enhance collaboration with Indo-Pacific countries.
“India is always ready to do more with our Indo-Pacific partners,” Dr. Jaishankar said.
India’s engagement with the Pacific has been strengthened through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation meetings, attended by leaders from 14 Pacific countries. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced several projects for the region during his visit to Papua New Guinea.
India’s increasing support to the Pacific comes while China’s growing influence in the region through loans, grants, and investments continues.
