Visit of MoS for External Affairs of India to the Philippines, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (January 14-21, 2025)

Learn about the MoS for External Affairs of India's visit to the Philippines, Palau, and Micronesia from January 14-21, 2025.

Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Shri. Pabitra Margherita [MoS(PM)] visited the Philippines, and the Pacific Island Countries of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from 14-21 January 2025.

In the Philippines, MoS(PM) began his visit on 14 January by paying floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. He had a meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, and called on the President, H.E. Mr. Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.. Discussions were held across a wide range of topics to review the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and to explore possibilities of further expanding and deepening bilateral ties. MoS(PM) also interacted with representatives of Indian Diaspora organizations in Manila. The visit marked an important milestone in the ongoing celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

At the invitation of the Palau Government, MoS(PM) attended the inauguration of H.E. Mr. Surangel Whipps Jr. as President for his second term, H.E. Mr. Raynold Oilouch as the new Vice President, and the 12th Constitutional Government of the Republic of Palau on 16 January. He called on the President and visited Peleliu Island where he formally handed over 12 water tanks gifted by Government of India for harvesting of rainwater to the Governor of the Island. This was the first ever visit by Minister of State for External Affairs to Palau. In his talks with the President, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further enhance development cooperation between the two countries.

On the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony in Palau, MoS(PM) interacted with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea H.E. Mr. James Marape, Foreign Minister of Japan H.E. Mr. Takeshi Iwaya, Foreign and Trade Minister of the Republic of Marshal Islands (RMI) H.E. Mr. Kalani Kaneko, among others.

In the FSM, MoS(PM) had a meeting with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Lorin S. Robert, and called on the President H.E. Mr. Wesley W. Simina in the presence of Vice President H.E. Mr. Aren B. Palik, and several members of the Cabinet. The two sides had wide ranging discussions on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance development cooperation. This was the first ever Ministerial visit from India to the FSM.

During a short stopover at the United States territory of Guam on 21 January, MoS(PM) interacted with the representatives of the Indian community in Guam, which among others was attended by the Governor of Guam, H.E. Mrs. Lou Leon Guerrero.

The visit by MoS(PM) to the Philippines, Palau and FSM, and the US territory of Guam, was very well received, and contributed to the enhancement of bilateral ties in line with India’s Act East Policy and our broader Indo-Pacific vision.

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