India Appoints New High Commissioner to Vanuatu

Aizawl: The Ministry of External Affairs announced on September 2 that Muanpuii Saiawi is the next High Commissioner to the Republic of Vanuatu. A 2005 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, she currently serves as the High Commissioner to New Zealand. She will keep her base in Wellington while taking on this concurrent accreditation. She expects to start the role shortly.

India is pushing for closer ties with Pacific nations. The countries collaborate on healthcare, education, infrastructure, digital capacity, and climate resilience. Both nations work through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation to address the needs of small island states. India positions itself as a lead development partner.

Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita visited Vanuatu this year to inspect the India-supported Centre of Excellence in Information Technology. During that trip, he declared, "additional hardware and software support to strengthen digital skills in the island nation." He also met with Prime Minister Jotham Napat to discuss economic growth and climate action.

New Delhi is also backing the Heal in India initiative. This program will bring 10 patients from Vanuatu to India for specialized medical treatment. Despite the vast distance, both countries continue to align on democracy and multiculturalism in international forums.