Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, reiterated India’s dedication to collaborating with Tuvalu in the health sector. This includes providing a dialysis unit and a sea ambulance to the Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific. During his visit to Princess Margaret Hospital in Funafuti, Margherita engaged with healthcare professionals working diligently to offer essential services to the community.
He expressed the shared goal of improving healthcare delivery for the people of Tuvalu. Margherita also met with Hamoa Holona, Minister of Education and Acting Minister of Health, to explore avenues for expanding cooperation between India and Tuvalu in education and health. Additionally, discussions with Paulson Panapa, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour, and Trade of Tuvalu, centered on bolstering bilateral development cooperation, particularly in health and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The Minister emphasized the deep partnership between India and Tuvalu, underpinned by common values and dedication. He underscored India’s unwavering support for Tuvalu’s development journey. Margherita engaged in productive discussions with various Tuvaluan officials, including Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, Governor-General of Tuvalu, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation across crucial sectors to advance the well-being of their populations.
In his interactions with Tuvalu’s Minister for Home, Climate Change, and Environment, Dr. Maina Vakafua Talia, the discussions revolved around strengthening collaboration on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, sustainable development, and capacity building. Margherita also met with leaders from Vanuatu, including Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Emanuel Harry, to reinforce India-Vanuatu bilateral ties in health, capacity building, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
His visit to the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in Vanuatu highlighted India’s support in enhancing digital skills and empowering local youth. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that Margherita’s visits to Vanuatu and Tuvalu underscore India’s commitment to bolstering political and developmental cooperation with Pacific Island nations, following the Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit in 2023.
