Team Blitz India
PORT MORESBY: Eyeing to bolster India’s footprint in the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased New Delhi as a “reliable” partner of the Pacific island nations as he said those considered trustworthy were “not standing by” the region in times of need, in what is being seen as an oblique reference to China.
A friend in need is a friend indeed, Modi told top leaders of 14 Pacific Island nations at a summit, assuring that India is ready to share its capabilities and experiences with the region “without any hesitation” and that “we are with you in every way”, leading English dailies reported on May 23.
Referring to adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic and other global developments, Modi said India stood by the Pacific Island nations in the challenging time and conveyed to them that they can rely on New Delhi as it respects their priorities and its approach for cooperation is based on human values.
“Those whom we considered trustworthy, it turned out that they were not standing by our side in times of need. During these challenging times, an old saying has proven true: ‘A Friend in need is a friend indeed’,” he said at the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit without naming any country.
Modi’s comments at the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit in this capital city of Papua New Guinea came amid China’s aggressive behaviour in the region as well as its efforts to expand influence in the Pacific island nations.
