Jan 11: Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita [MOS(PM)] will pay a visit to the Philippines, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) from 14-21 January 2025.
During the visit to the Philippines on 14 January 2025, MOS(PM) will call on the Philippine leadership. He will pay floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi located on the premises of the Centre for Peace Education, Miriam College, Manila, and interact with members of the Indian diaspora in the Philippines. The visit of MoS(PM) to the Philippines coincides with the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India-Philippines bilateral relations.
Following the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the visit of MOS(PM) to the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) would provide an opportunity to continue our engagement with the leadership in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs).
At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Palau, MOS(PM) will attend the swearing-in ceremony of H.E. Mr. Surangel Whipps Jr. in his second term as the President of the Republic of Palau on 16 January 2025. During the visit, MoS(PM) is scheduled to have meetings with the leadership of Palau. MOS(PM) is also expected to have interactions with the development projects undertaken by India in Palau.
MOS(PM) will proceed to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on 18 January 2025. This will be the first-ever Ministerial level visit from India to FSM. MOS(PM) will call on and have meetings with the leadership of FSM during his visit.
The visit of MOS(PM) to the region is expected to further strengthen and deepen India’s traditionally close partnership with the Philippines, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) as part of India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.
