He pointed to the inflationary strain on his nation as a result of Russia-Ukraine battle.

Port Moresby:

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape immediately instructed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Pacific Islands nations contemplate the Indian premier because the chief of the Global South and can rally behind India’s management at worldwide boards.

Highlighting the issues confronted by Pacific Islands nations as a result of Russia-Ukraine warfare, James Marape mentioned this whereas addressing the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit which was co-chaired by PM Modi.

“We are victims of global powerplay… You (PM Modi) are the leader of Global South. We will rally behind your (India) leadership at global forums,” mentioned Mr Marape.

He pointed to the inflationary strain on his nation as a result of Russia-Ukraine battle.

He mentioned that Pacific Islands nations need to face the brunt of the warfare as they’ve excessive prices of gasoline and energy tariffs and endure on account of large nations at play when it comes to geopolitics and energy struggles.

“The issue of Ukraine war with Russia or Russia war with Ukraine rather, we import the inflation to our own small economies. These nations sitting before you, Mr Prime Minister (PM Modi), have high costs of fuel and power tariffs in their own countries and we suffer as a result of big nations at play in terms of geopolitics and the power struggles out there,” mentioned Mr Marape.

He urged PM Modi to be an lively voice for the small island nations at world boards equivalent to G20 and G7, including, “You are the voice that can offer our issues at the highest as advanced economies discuss matters relating to economy, commerce, trade and geopolitics.”

Hr prompted India to make use of the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit to be the robust voice and advocate the challenges of the area.

“We ask you, using this moment where I am co-chairing and I speak for my small brother and sister nations of the Pacific. Whilst our land may be small and the number may be small, our area and space in the Pacific are big. The world uses for trade, commerce and movement,” added the Papua New Guinea PM.

He additional urged PM Modi to be an advocate for Pacific Island nations, including, “We want you to be an advocate for us. As you sit in those meetings and continue to fight for the rights of small emerging nations and emerging economies.”

“Our leaders will have a moment to speak to you. I want you, Mr Prime Minister, for you to spend time hearing them. And hopefully, at the end of these dialogues, may India and the Pacific’s relationship is entrenched and strengthened,” mentioned Mr Marape.

“But more importantly, the issues that are facing the Pacific island nations, especially the smaller ones amongst us ahead in its right context and given support by you, the leader of the Global South,” the Papua New Guinea chief mentioned.

Mr Marape additionally highlighted the shared historical past of India and Papua New Guinea. 

He mentioned, “People have been travelling for thousands of years. Just like your people have lived in India for thousands of years. We all come from a shared history. A history of being colonised. History that holds the nations of Global South together. I thank you (PM Modi) for assuring me in the bilateral meeting that as you host G20 this year you will advocate on issues that relate to the Global South.”

He mentioned that Global South have improvement challenges and raised concern over using its sources whereas its persons are saved aloof from sharing its fruits.

“In the Global South, we have development challenges. Our resources are harvested by tones and volumes. And our people have been left behind,” mentioned Mr Marape.

Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted India’s help to Pacific Island nations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The impact of the Covid pandemic was most on the countries of the Global South. Challenges related to climate change, natural disasters, hunger, poverty and health were already there, now new problems are arising…I am happy that India stood by its friendly Pacific Island countries in times of difficulty,” mentioned PM Modi.

He additionally talked about disruption within the provide chain and mentioned that nations of the worldwide south have been impacted by the worldwide disaster and in addition known as for UN reforms on the Pacific meet.

“Today we are seeing disruption in the supply chain of fuel, food, fertilizer and pharma. Those whom we trusted, didn’t stand with us when needed…,” mentioned PM Modi.

PM Modi additional assured that India will put aspirations of the worldwide south to the world through its G20 Presidency, including, “This was my focus at G7 Outreach summit.”

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