Visit of MoS Shri Pabitra Margherita to Republic of Vanuatu and Tuvalu (April 22–25, 2026)

Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS(PM)], undertook an official visit to Vanuatu (April 22-23, 2026) and Tuvalu (April 24-25, 2026).

2. In the first leg of the visit to Vanuatu, MoS(PM) paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister H.E. Jotham Napat in Port Vila on April 23, 2026, reaffirming the strong and friendly ties between the two countries. He subsequently held bilateral talks with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade Hon. Xavier Emanuel Harry. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in capacity building, digital development, climate resilience, economic engagement, and multilateral cooperation.

3. MoS(PM) visited the India-supported Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CeIT) on April 22 and interacted with students and alumni, highlighting its role in strengthening digital skills and human resource capacity. During the visit, he announced India's assistance, including food grain assistance, provision of additional IT hardware and software for CeIT, and support for specialized medical treatment of 10 patients in India under the "Heal in India" initiative. This was the second Ministerial visit from India to Vanuatu.

4. In the second leg of the visit to Tuvalu, MoS(PM) called on Governor-General H.E. Rev. Sir Tofinga Vaevalu Falani and thereafter held a meeting with Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Hon. Paulson Panapa in Funafuti on April 24, 2026. He also held bilateral meetings with Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Hon. Maina Talia and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports and Acting Minister for Health and Social Welfare Hon. Hamoa Holona. Discussions focused on cooperation in healthcare, capacity building, climate resilience, heritage conservation, and people-to-people ties.

5. MoS(PM) visited Princess Margaret Hospital and interacted with healthcare professionals, underscoring India's commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in Tuvalu through capacity building and technical cooperation. During a State Banquet hosted in his honour, he handed over a cheque towards a Quick Impact Project for preservation of cultural and heritage sites. He also announced India's support including provision of a sea ambulance, food grain assistance, and sponsorship of 10 patients for specialized medical treatment in India under the "Heal in India" initiative.

6. The visit further strengthened India's close and friendly relations with Vanuatu and Tuvalu and reaffirmed India's role as a trusted development partner. It is in line with India's continued engagement with Pacific Island Countries under the Act East Policy and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation framework.

New Delhi
April 26, 2026