A GROUP of 29 journalists from the Indo-Pacific region, invited by the Indian Government for a familiarization tour are in New Delhi since arriving last weekend.
The visit, scheduled from August 18 to 27, includes journalists from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Somalia and Djibouti.
During their stay, the journalists will visit several key institutions in New Delhi, including the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the International Solar Alliance (ISA), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
They will also engage with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).
The IFC-IOR is a regional maritime security center hosted by the Indian Navy.
The ISA, a collaborative platform, focuses on enhancing the deployment of solar energy technologies to improve energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition among its member countries.
It aims to develop and implement cost-effective, transformational energy solutions to support low-carbon growth, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
In addition to their New Delhi itinerary, the journalists will travel to Mumbai to visit the Naval Headquarters and the film city.
Their visit will conclude in Bengaluru, where they will tour the Lal Bagh Botanical Garden and the Indian Institute of Science (IISC).
The journalists have expressed their profound happiness at arriving in India.
Mathew Vari, a digital manager from Post Courier in Papua New Guinea, remarked that this is his first visit to India.
He is eager to build networks with fellow journalists and gain insights to enhance his work.
A journalist from Tonga also expressed excitement about being part of this trip, looking forward to exploring and sharing the rich culture, history, and stories that India has to offer.
The journalists have extended their gratitude to the Indian Government for hosting this weeklong familiarization visit.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
In New Delhi, India