Updated May 22nd, 2023 at 11:19 IST

PM Modi calls Millet 'superfood' as he highlights food security during his FIPIC address

PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Pacific nation which is a part of the second leg of his three-nation visit. 

Reported by: Vidit Baya
Image Credit: ANI | Image:self
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in Papua New Guinea on Monday called Millet a "superfood" while highlighting the prioritisation of food security. He said we call the millet "Shri Anna" in India. PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Pacific nation which is a part of the second leg of his three-nation visit. 

The summit assumes added significance because it takes place at a time when Beijing is actively working to increase both its military and diplomatic presence in the area. PM Modi had earlier stated, "I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this important summit (FIPIC)." 

FIPIC was founded in 2014 by PM Modi

FIPIC was established during Prime Minister Modi's 2014 trip to Fiji. In a tweet, PM Modi said, "Prime Minister James Marape and I had very productive talks, covering the full range of bilateral relations between India and Papua New Guinea. We discussed ways to augment cooperation in commerce, technology, healthcare and in addressing climate change."

Leaders from 14 nations are attending the FIPIC summit, which is a remarkable development given how infrequently they generally meet due to connectivity issues and other concerns.

Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are the nations that make up the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). To promote collaboration and fortify ties with India in the Pacific area, these countries take part in FIPIC.

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Published May 22nd, 2023 at 07:33 IST