India considers it its responsibility to support the development aspirations of the Pacific islands, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday.

In his brief remarks at an event, Jaishankar also said that the Pacific islands are not “small islands” but rather “great ocean countries” and that India is privileged to be their partner.

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“We see it as our responsibility to support the Pacific Islands in their pursuit of sustainable development. Climate change, natural disasters, poverty reduction and healthcare are common challenges that we must tackle together,” he said.

“India is always ready to do more with our Indo-Pacific partners,” he added.

Jaishankar made his remarks at a virtual ceremony where India signed a memorandum of understanding to implement four community development projects in the Marshall Islands.

“I am pleased that these projects include areas including a community sports centre in Ailuk Atoll, an airport terminal on Mejit Island, and community centres on Arno and Wotje Atolls. These would certainly provide better infrastructure for the people of the Marshall Islands,” he said.

The Foreign Minister said India and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have a long history of friendly bilateral relations which have been enhanced over the years, including under the auspices of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

FIPIC has become an important framework for cooperation between India and the Pacific Island countries.

“I would like to recall what my Prime Minister said at the third FIPIC Summit. The Pacific islands are not 'small islands' but rather 'great ocean countries',” he said.

Jaishankar also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that India had made “concrete” commitments to the Pacific Islands at the third FIPIC summit.

“I am pleased with the progress being made towards these goals. We are also working on proposals for desalination plants and dialysis machines for the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” he said.

The Foreign Minister said India recognises the priorities and needs of the Pacific Island countries.

“Healthcare and related infrastructure, quality and affordable medicines, wellness and lifestyle, skill centers, education and capacity building, SME sector development, renewable energy and clean water facilities – all these are some of the focus areas of our cooperation,” he noted.