Modi will be the first Indian leader to have such a broad interaction with the leaders of the region.
New Delhi has historical links with Fiji as 42% of its population is of Indian origin. It has also had a long economic relationship with Nauru — formerly a major exporter of phosphates — and mineral-rich Papua New Guinea.
The South Pacific Islands are also one of the largest voting blocs in the United Nations. India had set up an online communications system for the islands to win their support for the Indo-US nuclear deal several years ago.Analysts look at the summit in the backdrop of reports of growing Chinese influence in the South Pacific region where it has invested heavily in the infrastructure of islands and its navy shows up its flag on a regular basis in the region Although India is still a minor player in this region, but Modi’s outreach will not go unnoticed in Beijing.
