Minister of State for External Affairs, and Textiles Pabitra Margherita paid an official visit to Samoa and Naoero from October 16 to 22, 2026, during which he held discussions with the leadership of both Pacific Island nations on strengthening bilateral cooperation in capacity building, digital development, climate resilience, economic engagement and parliamentary exchanges.
MoU Signed to Promote Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Samoa
During his visit to Samoa, Margherita was accorded a traditional ‘Ava ceremony by Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polātaʻivao Fosi Schmidt and members of his Cabinet. He called on the Prime Minister and discussed cooperation in capacity building, digital development, climate resilience, economic engagement and multilateral issues.
Margherita and the Samoan Prime Minister also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the implementation of the SENESE Project. The project aims to promote the inclusion and development of children and persons with disabilities by improving access to education, healthcare and vocational training.
The Prime Minister also hosted an official lunch in honour of Margherita, who interacted with members of the Indian community in Samoa.
Business Interaction and Community Engagement in Auckland
During his transit visit to Auckland, Margherita attended a business interaction hosted in his honour by the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC). The event brought together representatives of the textile and fashion sectors to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
New Zealand Minister for Ethnic Communities and Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell also attended the event. Margherita participated in Durga Puja celebrations and separately interacted with members of the Indian community.
Discussions with Naoero’s Leadership
During his visit to Naoero, Margherita called on President David W. R. Adeang and separately met Speaker of Parliament Marcus Stephen. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, parliamentary exchanges and capacity building.
He also interacted with alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) programmes, as well as members of the Indian community. He acknowledged their contributions to strengthening India–Naoero relations.
Cycling Initiative and Development Cooperation
As part of his engagements in Naoero, Margherita flagged off a mini-cycling event organised to mark his visit under India’s Quick Impact Project (QIP), ‘Cycling for a Stronger Naoero’. The initiative aims to develop local athletes and promote health through cycling.
He also visited Naoero’s public hospital and phosphate-mining sites.
The visit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with Samoa and Naoero through development cooperation, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges, including under the framework of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
India remains committed to working closely with Pacific Island countries in support of their national development priorities and the shared aspirations of the region.
