Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)], paid an official visit to New Zealand and Fiji from 8-12 May 2025.
2. During the visit to Auckland, New Zealand, on 8-9 May 2025, MoS (PM) delivered the Keynote Address as Guest of Honour at the INZBC Dialogue 2025 organised by the India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) on 9 May 2025. Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Winston Peters also addressed the INZBC. MoS (PM) had a brief call on Prime Minister Luxon on the sidelines of the INZBC Dialogue.
3. MoS (PM) had a bilateral meeting with Hon. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, during which the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties between India and New Zealand. MoS(PM) also met Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Agriculture of New Zealand in Auckland.
4. MoS (PM) addressed the Indian community at the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Centre in Auckland and reaffirmed Government of India’s strong commitment towards welfare of the Indian diaspora. He appreciated their contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.
5. During the visit to Fiji from 10-12 May 2025, MoS (PM) participated as the Guest of Honour at the 146th Girmit Day commemoration organised in Labasa on 12 May. H.E. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji, was the Chief Guest of the ceremony.
6. MoS (PM) paid courtesy calls on H.E. Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, the President of Fiji, and H.E. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji. He met with Prof. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics. In these meetings, the two sides had wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further enhance ties between India and Fiji.
7. During the visit, MoS (PM) witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmacopeial Cooperation between India and Fiji.
8. MoS (PM), along with H.E. Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations of Fiji, virtually inaugurated a Yoga Centre located in Seaqaqa. Apart from his bilateral engagements, MoS (PM) interacted with the Fijian alumni of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
9. The visit of MOS (PM) to New Zealand and Fiji was very well received, and contributed to the enhancement of bilateral ties with both countries in line with India’s Act East Policy and the broader vision of the Indo-Pacific.
New Delhi
May 13, 2025
