India will strengthen cooperation in disaster management with Pacific Island nations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India will strengthen cooperation in disaster management with all Pacific Island countries, including through the establishment of a Space Technology Applications Centre for the region.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister of Fiji Rear Admiral (retd) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama here.

Modi expressed his condolences for the loss of life in Fiji due to the Cyclone Winston which struck on February 20 and said India stood ready to provide all possible assistance in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, a PMO statement said.

Bainimarama thanked Modi for the US$ 1 million assistance and 45 tonnes of relief material provided by India in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

The two leaders also discussed avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in solar and renewable energy, agriculture, education and health, it said.