"Committed to deepening our partnership": EAM Jaishankar greets Vanuatu on Independence Day
New Delhi, July 30
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday extended greetings to Vanuatu Foreign Minister Marc Ati, the government and people of Vanuatu on the country's Independence Day, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Pacific island nation.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Greetings to FM Marc Ati, the Government and the people of Vanuatu on their Independence Day."
He added, "Committed to our deepening our partnership."
Attached to the post was one highlight of India-Vanuatu relations in terms of the Centre of Excellence in IT in the country established with India's support, stating, "The Centre of Excellence in IT in Vanuatu, a flagship institution established with India's support to strengthen digital skills and build local capacity among youth, has been operational for the past two years (2024-26)."
Vanuatu Independence Day is celebrated annually on July 30th to mark the nation's freedom from joint British and French colonial rule in 1980.
Earlier in April, Margherita visited the India-supported Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CeIT), where he announced additional IT hardware and software support to bolster local digital skills.
In a significant expansion of India's 'Act East' policy, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, concluded a four-day diplomatic mission to the Pacific Island nations of Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
The visit, spanning April 22 to 25, 2026, reinforced India's role as a 'trusted development partner' in the region, delivering tangible support ranging from sea ambulances to advanced IT infrastructure.
According to the MEA, arriving in Port Vila on April 22, the Minister's visit focused on the pillars of digital empowerment and healthcare.
A landmark announcement included sponsorship for 10 patients from Vanuatu to receive specialised medical treatment in India under the 'Heal in India' initiative.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Jotham Napat, the Minister reaffirmed the bond between the two nations, focusing on climate resilience and economic engagement.
This visit marked a continuation of the momentum generated by the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). By addressing the critical needs of "SIDS" (Small Island Developing States)--specifically climate change, healthcare, and capacity building--India is positioning itself as a reliable alternative for developmental cooperation in the Pacific.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Vanuatu Independence Day—happy for them! 🎉 India's Act East policy is finally showing results in the Pacific. The 'Heal in India' initiative for 10 patients is a wonderful gesture. Hope we continue to be a reliable partner without getting into geopolitical rivalries with China.
Honestly, this is feel-good diplomacy, but what's the tangible impact? The Centre of Excellence in IT has been running for two years—how many Vanuatu youth have actually benefited? We need more data to judge. Still, good to see India engaging beyond our immediate neighborhood.
As someone from a coastal state, I feel for SIDS like Vanuatu facing climate change. India's sea ambulance and IT support are good, but we should also share our expertise in cyclone preparedness and renewable energy. FIPIC forum is a great platform for this! 🌏
Interesting to see India's soft power at work in the Pacific. Vanuatu is a small nation but strategically important. The IT centre and medical support are practical steps. But I hope India's approach remains genuine development partnership, not just countering China's influence.
Happy Independence Day to Vanuatu! 🥳 India's role as a 'trusted development partner' is commendable. But I hope the government focuses equally on our own healthcare and digital infrastructure back home. Balance is key—helping others while fixing our own gaps.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.