Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting in Koror, Palau on Wednesday, 2 September, engaging with the heads of government and foreign ministers of Nauru, Fiji, Tuvalu, Palau, and Tonga to advance India's development partnerships across the Pacific region.

India-Nauru: Bilateral Projects and Development Cooperation

Margherita met Republic of Nauru President David Adeang, with discussions centred on the implementation of ongoing bilateral projects and pathways to deepen the development partnership. “Discussed the implementation of our bilateral projects and ways to further strengthen the development partnership between India and Naoero, including our cooperation in areas of shared priority,” Margherita posted on X following the meeting.

India and Nauru share historically rooted ties — India was among the first to propose Nauru's independence at the United Nations in the early 1960s, a gesture that continues to anchor the bilateral relationship, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). India is recognised as a key development partner for the small Pacific island nation.

Meetings with Fiji, Tuvalu, and Palau

On the sidelines of the same summit, Margherita held talks with Fiji's Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Sakiasi Ditoka, and Minister of Employment, Agni Deo Singh. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation, engagement in multilateral forums, and further deepening of the development partnership. “India deeply values its longstanding friendship with Fiji,” Margherita wrote on X.

The MoS also met Tuvalu's Foreign Minister Paulson Panapa, where talks focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, and the priorities of Pacific Island countries. “India deeply values its friendship with Tuvalu and remains committed to being a steadfast partner in the Pacific,” he said in a post on X.

Margherita additionally called on Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr., congratulating him on Palau's hosting of the PIF Summit and reaffirming India's commitment to deepening the bilateral partnership. Discussions included ongoing and new development cooperation initiatives and coordination in multilateral forums.

India-Tonga: Indo-Pacific Vision at the Fore

In a separate meeting, Margherita met Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, accompanied by Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, Minister of His Majesty's Armed Forces and Diplomatic Services, and the Consul of India to Tonga. The two sides discussed ways to deepen the India-Tonga partnership, with Margherita underscoring India's commitment to a shared vision for the wider Indo-Pacific.

India's Pacific Outreach: Strategic Context

Margherita's packed diplomatic calendar at the PIF summit reflects India's sustained push to strengthen its footprint across the Pacific, a region that has seen growing geopolitical competition. India's development-first approach — spanning infrastructure, capacity building, and climate resilience — has been a consistent tool of engagement with small island developing states (SIDS). Notably, this round of meetings comes as Pacific nations increasingly seek diversified partnerships beyond traditional powers. The PIF Leaders' Meeting, held annually, serves as a key multilateral platform for India to advance its Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) agenda.

All five meetings were conducted on the sidelines of the 55th PIF Leaders' Meeting in Koror, with further diplomatic engagements expected as the summit concludes.