MoS Margherita discusses bilateral ties with New Zealand President

ANI May 13, 2025 168 views

Union Minister Pabitra Margherita concluded a productive 5-day visit to New Zealand and Fiji, meeting top leaders from both nations. He discussed trade, diaspora welfare, and cultural ties at business forums and community events. The minister notably participated in Fiji's Girmit Day celebrations honoring Indian indentured laborers' legacy. These engagements reinforced India's commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Pacific region.

"A fruitful discussion on strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation and shared values between India and Fiji" - Pabitra Margherita
New Delhi, May 13: Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita called on President of New Zealand Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu and held a fruitful discussion on strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and New Zealand.

Key Points

1

Margherita met NZ PM Luxon and FM Peters in Auckland

2

Addressed Indian diaspora at Mahatma Gandhi Centre

3

Attended Fiji's Girmit Day as Guest of Honour

4

Held talks with Fiji President and PM Rabuka

The meeting was held at the State House here.

In a post on X, he said, "Honoured to call on the President of Fiji H.E. Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu at the State House. A fruitful discussion on strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation and shared values between India and Fiji."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1922180531590238405

Margherita paid an official visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12.

During the visit to Auckland on May 8-9, Margherita delivered the Keynote Address as Guest of Honour at the INZBC Dialogue 2025 organised by the India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) on May 9, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters also addressed the INZBC. He had a brief call on Prime Minister Luxon on the sidelines of the INZBC Dialogue.

He had a bilateral meeting with Peters during which the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties between India and New Zealand. Margherita also met Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Agriculture of New Zealand in Auckland, as per the statement.

Margherita 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.

During the visit to Fiji from May 10-12, Margherita participated as the Guest of Honour at the 146th Girmit Day commemoration organised in Labasa on 12 May. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji, was the Chief Guest of the ceremony.

He paid courtesy calls on Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, the President of Fiji, and Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji. He met with 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.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see India strengthening ties with Pacific nations. New Zealand and Fiji both have significant Indian diaspora communities. Our soft power through culture and people-to-people connections is our biggest strength abroad. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While these diplomatic visits are important, I hope we're also focusing on concrete economic outcomes. New Zealand is a major dairy exporter - we should negotiate better terms for Indian dairy farmers who face unfair competition.
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Amit S.
The Girmit Day commemoration in Fiji shows how Indian culture has flourished abroad despite difficult histories. Our ancestors went as indentured laborers, now we're building nations together. Makes me emotional thinking about their struggles.
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Sunita R.
More cultural centers like the Mahatma Gandhi center in Auckland please! These help preserve our traditions for diaspora youth. Maybe they can organize more exchange programs for Indian students too?
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Vikram J.
Hope these discussions lead to easier visa processes. Many Indians want to visit New Zealand for tourism and education. Currently the requirements are quite strict compared to other countries.
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Neha T.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I wish our ministers would spend equal energy addressing domestic textile industry issues. After all, Margherita is MoS for Textiles too - our weavers need support back home.

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Tags:
Pabitra Margherita India New Zealand relations India Fiji ties Christopher Luxon Sitiveni Rabuka Indian diaspora