Small island states offered Indian scholarships

More than 80 scholarships have been put on the table for member countries of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

CANCUN, Mexico, – India is offering to provide more than 80 scholarships, starting early next year, and to member countries of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

According to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, a minimum of two scholarships are being offered to each of the 43-member grouping which is made up of those countries most susceptible to the negative effects of climate change, including countries of the Caribbean.

“It’s a purely demand-driven programme with the scholarships ranging between six months to two years and within areas relating to climate change, adaptation, coastal zone management, renewable energy and agriculture,” said Ramesh, who spoke to AOSIS’ delegates at the climate change talks in Mexico.

“This has been one of the most successful programmes of the Government of India. Many people of Africa, Latin America and other parts of the world are using this programme”.

The initiative will be launched by April next year.

Ramesh said that India’s greatest contribution in the long run will be to help create the institutional capacity in the AOSIS Group.

The Indian Minister said he has met separately with the Pacific Island States and made an offer of setting up an e-network to connect all the island states for telemedicine and tele-education.

“We are preparing a feasibility study and this will then be presented to the governments of the 11 Pacific States,” he said.

Ambassador Colin Beck of the Solomon Islands, speaking on behalf of Pacific Island States, acknowledged the initiative and said that they are eager to take advantage of the opportunity and look forward to it as soon as it comes online next year.