This profound, peerless, honest act of respect is an expression of deep gratitude for India’s generous shipment of vaccines to the Pacific Island countries when the World’s mightiest powers have turned inwards. The South Pacific region which is home to the Pacific Island Countries has been an arena for geopolitical contestations. In fact, making up for 15% of Earth’s surface, the Pacific Island nations are now referred to as the “Ocean Continent”, constituting the vital sub-region of the Indo-Pacific. Akin to ASEAN’s centrality to the Indo-Pacific region, PICs are central to South Pacific Region. Highlighting the concerns of the developing countries, India reached out to countries through the Voice of the Global South Summit.

Source: Hindustan Times May 26, 2023 12:32 UTC