Shri Pabitra Margherita, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, paid an official visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12, 2025. The minister's visit aimed to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and its Pacific neighbors.
During his visit to Auckland, New Zealand, Mr. Margherita delivered a keynote address as the guest of honor at the INZBC Dialogue 2025 organized by the India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC). Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Winston Peters also addressed the event.
Mr. Margherita had a brief call on Prime Minister Luxon on the sidelines of the INZBC Dialogue and discussed various aspects of bilateral ties between India and New Zealand. He also met with Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Agriculture of New Zealand in Auckland.
The minister addressed the Indian community at the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Centre in Auckland, reaffirming the government's strong commitment to the welfare of the Indian diaspora. He appreciated their contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries.
Mr. Margherita participated as a guest of honor at the 146th Girmit Day commemoration organized in Labasa on May 12, where he paid courtesy calls on H.E. Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, the President of Fiji, and H.E. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji.
The minister met with Prof. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, to discuss ways to further enhance ties between India and Fiji. During his visit, he witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmacopeial Cooperation between India and Fiji.
Mr. Margherita also virtually inaugurated a yoga center located in Seaqaqa with H.E. Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations of Fiji. Apart from his bilateral engagements, he interacted with the Fijian alumni of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
The visit was well-received by both New Zealand and Fiji, contributing to the enhancement of bilateral ties in line with India's Act East Policy and the broader vision of the Indo-Pacific region.