The island states and territories from the South Pacific to the African coast have become new nodes in India's changing strategic geography. In this context, highlight the importance of these island states for India and also throw light upon the initiatives taken by India to strengthen ties with these states.

Importance of Island States

Geopolitical (1) they are part of the global south and share developmental values of India (2) their support is important for India to secure permanent seat at UNSC (3) support is important in global policy discourse regarding issues of climate change, sustainable development.

Economical (1) These islands have huge areas of exclusive economic zones under their jurisdiction (2) important trade partners (3) strategic location close to chokepoints on major sea routes.

Social (1) Large population of Indian diaspora live in these island states, which can act as a source of soft power (2) in Fiji Bhojpuri is a official language

Initiatives

(1) Security and Growth for all in the region (SAGAR) policy to act as net security provider. (2) Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) to engage with these countries (3) Indian Ocean Rim Association + Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative for regional development and security. (4) Indo Pacific regional dialogue by Indian navy to review geopolitics in Indopacific.