Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MoS (PM)], recently witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmacopeial Cooperation between India and Fiji during his visit to the country.

The Minister, along with Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations of Fiji, virtually inaugurated a Yoga Centre located in Seaqaqa.

He attended the 146th Girmit Day commemoration organised in Labasa on May 12 as the Chief Guest of Honour.

Apart from his bilateral engagements, Margherita interacted with the Fijian alumni of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

"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," read a statement issued by the Ministry of external Affairs.

New Zealand Visit

Apart from Fiji, Margherita also visited New Zealand during his two-country visit between May 8 to May 12.

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 May 9.

Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon.

Winston Peters also addressed the INZBC.

The Indian Minister had a brief call on Prime Minister Luxon on the sidelines of the INZBC Dialogue.

Pabitra Margherita 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.

He also met Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Agriculture of New Zealand, in Auckland.

Pabitra 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.

(With inputs from IBNS)