<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underlined the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific for the Pacific island nations and said the Quad is working in this direction.</p>.<p>In an address at the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit, Modi also emphasised the need for multilateralism and respecting the sovereignty and integrity of all countries.</p>.<p>The summit took place at a time when China is making efforts to enhance its military and diplomatic influence in the region.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/modi-stresses-on-boosting-india-papua-new-guinea-ties-in-talks-with-pm-marape-governor-general-dadae-1220915.html" target="_blank">Modi stresses on boosting India-Papua New Guinea ties in talks with PM Marape, Governor-General Dadae</a></strong></p>.<p>"Like you, we believe in multilateralism; support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and respect the sovereignty and integrity of all countries," Modi said.</p>.<p>He said the Quad -- comprising Japan, India, Australia and the United States -- is working towards it.</p>.<p>"We are ready to share our abilities and experiences with you without any hesitation -- be it digital technology or space technology, be it health security or food security, be it climate change or environmental protection. We are with you all the way," he said.</p>.<p>Modi also asserted that the voice of the global south should be a priority for the UN Security Council. "For this, reform of international institutions should be our shared priority," he said.</p>.<p>The summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi along with his counterpart from Papua New Guinea. India’s engagement with the 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is part of New Delhi's Act East Policy.</p>.<p>A major part of India's engagement with PICs is through development assistance under South-South Cooperation which is mainly in the form of capacity building and community development projects.</p>.<p>A major initiative launched under the rubric of the Act East Policy for the PICs is the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Prime Minister Modi hosted the first FIPIC summit in Suva on November 19, 2014, during his visit to Fiji.</p>.<p>The second FIPIC summit was held in Jaipur on August 21 again with all 14 PICs taking part.</p>.<p>At that summit, India announced initiatives across a wide array of areas to assist the PICs in facing challenges and achieving aspirations for the well-being and development of its people.</p>
<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underlined the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific for the Pacific island nations and said the Quad is working in this direction.</p>.<p>In an address at the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit, Modi also emphasised the need for multilateralism and respecting the sovereignty and integrity of all countries.</p>.<p>The summit took place at a time when China is making efforts to enhance its military and diplomatic influence in the region.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/modi-stresses-on-boosting-india-papua-new-guinea-ties-in-talks-with-pm-marape-governor-general-dadae-1220915.html" target="_blank">Modi stresses on boosting India-Papua New Guinea ties in talks with PM Marape, Governor-General Dadae</a></strong></p>.<p>"Like you, we believe in multilateralism; support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and respect the sovereignty and integrity of all countries," Modi said.</p>.<p>He said the Quad -- comprising Japan, India, Australia and the United States -- is working towards it.</p>.<p>"We are ready to share our abilities and experiences with you without any hesitation -- be it digital technology or space technology, be it health security or food security, be it climate change or environmental protection. We are with you all the way," he said.</p>.<p>Modi also asserted that the voice of the global south should be a priority for the UN Security Council. "For this, reform of international institutions should be our shared priority," he said.</p>.<p>The summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi along with his counterpart from Papua New Guinea. India’s engagement with the 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is part of New Delhi's Act East Policy.</p>.<p>A major part of India's engagement with PICs is through development assistance under South-South Cooperation which is mainly in the form of capacity building and community development projects.</p>.<p>A major initiative launched under the rubric of the Act East Policy for the PICs is the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Prime Minister Modi hosted the first FIPIC summit in Suva on November 19, 2014, during his visit to Fiji.</p>.<p>The second FIPIC summit was held in Jaipur on August 21 again with all 14 PICs taking part.</p>.<p>At that summit, India announced initiatives across a wide array of areas to assist the PICs in facing challenges and achieving aspirations for the well-being and development of its people.</p>