India and Marshall Islands Strengthen Ties with MoU on Community Projects

Tags: International News

On July 15, 2024, India and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) signed an MoU at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, Japan.

An Overview of the News

• The agreement is part of India's strategic Pacific outreach efforts.

• It aims to strengthen bilateral ties under the Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

Key Signatories and Attendees:

• Signatories included Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of RMI, and Sibi George, India's Ambassador to Japan and RMI.

• RMI President Dr. Hilda C. Heine was present during the signing.

• The RMI delegation included officials like Alexander Carter Bing and Isabela Silk, while Indian officials included Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Focus Areas and Projects:

• The MoU covers four Community Development Projects (CDPs) in RMI.

• Projects include a community sports center in Ailuk Atoll, an airport terminal on Mejit Island, and community centers at Arno and Wotje Atolls.

• Focus areas of cooperation include healthcare, affordable medicines, education, capacity building, renewable energy, and clean water facilities.

About Marshall Islands

• The Marshall Islands are a vast archipelago of volcanic islands and coral atolls located in the central Pacific Ocean, situated between Hawaii and the Philippines.

• Bikini Atoll, in the northwest, once used as a ship graveyard post-World War II, is now renowned as a popular site for wreck diving.

• Majuro Atoll, the capital and largest settlement of the islands, is located nearby.

• Kalalin Pass, near Majuro Atoll, features a vibrant coral reef teeming with diverse marine life.

  • Capital - Majuro

  • Currency - United States Dollar

  • Continent - Oceania

  • Official languages - Marshallese, English