India and Kiribati engaged in discussions to enhance collaboration in copra and coconut oil development. The meeting took place between India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta and a Kiribati delegation led by Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives Tangariki Reete in Suva. The talks focused on exploring ways to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, particularly in the areas of copra and coconut oil development.
The Indian High Commission in Fiji shared that High Commissioner Suneet Mehta met with the Kiribati delegation, emphasizing the productive discussions held during the meeting. The discussions included reflections on the recent visit to India by the Kiribati delegation and discussions on avenues to further enhance cooperation in copra and coconut oil development. This reaffirmed the growing partnership between India and Kiribati.
The accreditation of Kiribati was shifted to the Indian High Commission in Suva in October 2011, having previously been under the High Commission in Wellington since September 1992. In a gesture of support, India sent a container-based Dialysis Unit with six beds to Kiribati in March last year. This initiative aimed to strengthen Kiribati’s healthcare system, aligning with India’s commitment made during the FIPIC III Summit.
India extends annual grants for community development projects in Kiribati and offers training opportunities under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme. Kiribati diplomats also receive training at India’s Foreign Service Institute. Notably, in 2017, India provided a grant of USD 1.1 million to Kiribati for solar lighting in the South Tarawa district, benefiting households without access to electricity, who previously relied on fossil fuels for lighting needs.
