India–Vanuatu relations
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India–Vanuatu relations are bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Vanuatu. India originally had its High Commission for Vanuatu based in Canberra, but the accreditation changed to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.[1] Formal relations between the two countries began in 1986, after then prime minister Walter Lini joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1983.[2] Indian nationals can visit Vanuatu without a visa for maximum of 30 days.[3]
History
The first time an Indian Prime Minister met a Vanuatu Prime Minister (or deputy) was in 1983, when the two leaders arrived for the Non-aligned Summit meeting in New Delhi.[4] Diplomtic Relations officially began between the Republic of India and the Republic of Vanuatu began during the late Cold War period in 1986, after Vanuatu formally joined the Non-Aligned Movement. This made it the only country in Oceania not to join the Western Bloc. Relations since then have grown moderately, with Visa Free travel for Indian nationals for up to 30 days being introduced.
Enhanced Co-Operation with the BJP Government
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the inaugural India-Pacific Island Countries Forum Summit in November 2014 in Suva, where a delegation including Vanuatu's Foreign Affairs Minister was present. Prime Minister Modi announced new programmes to benefit India and the Pacific Countries, including Vanuatu. These announcements included:
- An increase of "Grant-in-Aid" from US$125,000 to $200,000 annually to each of the 14 Pacific Countries for community projects of their choice.[5]
- A Visa on arrival for Indians travelling to various Pacific Island Countries.
- A Trade Office in India for all Pacific Island countries in the forum.
- That the next India-Pacific Island Countries Forum Summit will take place in India in 2015.
- A new Visitors Programme for Pacific Island Countries.
Prime Minister Modi also proposed the idea of a regular 'Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation', designed to enhance dialogue between India and the Pacific Countries.[6]
After the devastation of category 5 Cyclone Pam, India also gave cash assistance of US$ 250,000.[7]
Bilateral Trade
India is Vanuatu's 5th largest export destination, with US$ 5.5 million worth of goods sent in the 2013-2014 year.[8] This makes up 1.5% of all of Vanuatu's exports and is an increase from US$ 5.37 million in the 2012-2013 year.
Vanuatu imports US$ 3.5 million worth of goods from India, making up 1.3% of Vanuatu's imports.[9] This is a 29% increase from the US$ 2.67 million in the 2012-13 year, and an 867% increase since 2000.[10] India is currently Vanuatu's 13th largest exporter.
References
- ↑ http://www.hcipom.gov.in/?id=3020
- ↑ http://asianz.org.nz/sites/asianz.org.nz/files/files/Jha%20-%20India%20and%20South%20Pacific%20-%20Multilateral%20Engagement,%20Bilateral%20ties%20and%20Diasporic%20Connections%20-%20FORMAT.pdf
- ↑ https://www.timaticweb.com/cgi-bin/tim_website_client.cgi?FullText=1&COUNTRY=VU&SECTION=VI&SUBSECTION=00&user=KLMB2C&subuser=KLMB2C
- ↑ http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Vanuatu_December_2014.pdf
- ↑ http://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/india/modi-in-australia-fiji-firming-up-strategies-for-pacific-region
- ↑ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Modi-woos-Fiji-days-ahead-of-Xis-visit/articleshow/45211853.cms
- ↑ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-gives-250000-usd-to-cycloneravaged-vanuatu/534723-3.html
- ↑ http://atlas.media.mit.edu/profile/country/vut/
- ↑ http://atlas.media.mit.edu/profile/country/vut/
- ↑ http://atlas.media.mit.edu/explore/tree_map/hs/import/vut/show/all/2000/
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