MoS Pabitra Margherita Concludes Samoa and Nauru Tour
New Delhi, October 23: Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita has concluded her official tour of Samoa and Nauru, held between October 16 and 22, 2026. The visit saw high-level engagements with the leaders of both Pacific Island nations, with a focus on cooperation, capacity building, digital growth, climate resilience, and trade.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Margherita received a traditional 'Ava' ceremony in Samoa, hosted by Prime Minister Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and members of his Council of Ministers. The two sides explored avenues to broaden collaboration across multiple domains and exchanged perspectives on issues of multilateral relevance.
A memorandum of understanding on implementing the 'Sanese' project was signed by Margherita and the Samoan Prime Minister. The project is intended to foster inclusion and development for children and persons with disabilities by enhancing access to schooling, health services, and skills training. An official dinner in her honour was hosted by the Samoan Prime Minister. She also interacted with the Indian community residing in Samoa.
On her way back to India, Margherita stopped in Auckland, where she joined a business dialogue arranged by the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC). Textile and fashion sector representatives discussed possibilities for bilateral partnership. The event was also attended by New Zealand's Minister for Ethnic Communities and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mark Mitchell. Margherita took part in Durga Puja celebrations and met the Indian community separately.
In Nauru, the Minister of State held talks with President David W. R. Adeang and had a separate discussion with Marcus Stephen, Speaker of the Nauruan Parliament. Deliberations centred on strengthening bilateral ties, parliamentary cooperation, and capacity building. She also engaged with former ITEC and ICCR participants and Indian community members, appreciating their contribution to India-Nauru relations.
Margherita flagged off a mini cycling event titled 'Cycling for a Stronger Nauru' under India's Quick Impact Project. The programme aims to develop local athletes and advance public health through cycling. She also visited Nauru's public hospital and phosphate mining sites.
The Ministry noted that the visit reinforces India's commitment to development partnership, capacity building, and people-to-people contact with Samoa and Nauru. India also reaffirmed its readiness, within the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework, to work with Pacific nations in pursuit of their national development priorities and common regional goals.