EAM Jaishankar congratulated Nauru on their Independence Day, expressing hopes for enhancing Indo-Pacific ties. India is a strong development partner for Nauru, with a historic connection dating back to the 1960s. Recent agreements and aid efforts, particularly in healthcare, reflect India’s commitment to supporting Nauru’s development needs.
On January 31, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar congratulated the Republic of Nauru on its Independence Day through a message on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed warm greetings to Nauru’s Foreign Minister Lionel Rouwen Aingimea and emphasized the hope for strengthening ties between India and Nauru in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s diplomatic relationship with Nauru has been characterized as cordial and supportive, focusing on mutual development goals.
The Indian High Commission in Canberra noted that India plays a crucial role as a development partner for Nauru, which holds India’s historical support for its independence in high regard. This relationship dates back to the early 1960s when India proposed Nauru’s independence at the United Nations, which was supported by the USSR at the time. Recent agreements, such as the MoU on Pharmacopoeial cooperation signed in September 2024, further cemented this partnership.
In 2023, during PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea, he reiterated India’s commitment to providing support to its Pacific island allies, including Nauru. This assistance covered a range of needs, from essential medicines and vaccines to technology transfer in various sectors. Additionally, India contributed haemo-dialysis machines to multiple Pacific nations, including Nauru, as part of promises made at the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III) Summit.
India and Nauru have enjoyed a longstanding diplomatic relationship based on historical support and mutual development initiatives. Since India’s proposal for Nauru’s independence in the 1960s, their relations have evolved to include collaborations in health, technology, and development aid. As a result, Nauru regards India as a significant ally in the Indo-Pacific region, and recent agreements further strengthen their partnership.
In summary, EAM Jaishankar’s message to Nauru highlights the enduring friendship between India and Nauru on their Independence Day. The historical context and recent developments showcase India’s commitment to supporting Nauru as a vital development partner in the Indo-Pacific. This relationship continues to deepen through collaborative efforts in healthcare, technology, and international cooperation.
Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com
