Marshall Islands: A delegation led by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Education Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh visited the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) on October 19-20. This was the first Ministerial level visit from India to the Marshall Islands in the last five years.
MoS Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh was welcomed and received by Acting Foreign Secretary of Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Tamera Heine.
Posting on X, MoS wrote: "Grateful for the warm welcomed and received by Acting Foreign Secretary, Ms Tamera Heine, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). India and RMI have warm and cordial diplomatic relations since April 1995, and India has undertaken a number of development assistance projects in RMI."
MoS met Chairman of the Council of Irooj (Council of traditional chiefs/elders) Irooj Jimata Kabua there and discussed traditions and cultural exchanges, development projects, Yoga, health and well-being and celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
MoS Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh posted on X: "A warm and friendly meeting with Hon’ble Irooj Jimata Kabua, Chairman, Council of Irooj/Traditional Chief of RMI. Discussed traditions and cultural exchanges, development projects, Yoga, health and well-being and celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025."
MoS also called on Acting President of the Marshall Islands Wilbur Heine in Majuro, during which he also met other Cabinet Ministers of Marshall Islands, including Foreign Affairs and Trade, Culture & Internal Affairs, Transportation, Communication & Information Technology, Justice, Immigration & Labour, and Works, Infrastructure & Utilities.
"Glad to call on H.E. Mr. Wilbur Heine, Acting President of the Marshall Islands in Majuro. Discussed on further strengthening bilateral relations and explored opportunities of cooperation and development partnership, including in areas of climate change, renewable energy", MoS Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh posted on X.
Mr. Rajkumar Ranjan also held bilateral discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Jack Ading and they reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations, including development partnership.
Posting on social media platform X, Mr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh wrote: "Happy to have an excellent discussions with Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jack J. Ading on all areas of mutual interest and relations between 🇮🇳 &🇲🇭 . Also discussed all possible cooperation on FIPIC related projects including utilizing ITEC courses in India."
MoS Ranjan Singh met Mayor of Wotho Atoll Kudo Kabua and discussed implementation of the grant-in-aid projects in the legislative districts of the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands.
"Called on the Mayor of Wotho Atoll, H.E. Kudo Kabua and discussed implementation of the grant-in-aid projects in the legislative districts of the Ralik Chain of the Marshall Islands", MoS posted on social media platform X.
MoS also visited the Women's Clam and Coral Farm Project and the Alele Museum and Public Library which serves as the national archives of RMI. He also participated in a Yoga Session with local yoga enthusiasts.
Posting on X, MoS wrote: "Visited the #AleleMuseum and Public Library, which holds the national archives of the country, and received a presentation on the history and traditions of the Marshall Islands."
MoS posted on X: "Visited the Women’s Clam & Coral Farm Project, sponsored by Government of India in Marshall Islands. The project is expected to provide a self sustaining, eco-friendly and climate change resilient income stream for women's cooperatives Arno, Mili and Aur Atolls."
MoS Rajkumar Ranjan Singh also joined Yoga, Health and Well-being sessions at Majuro in Marshall Islands.
MoS further said that under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework, India is helping to set up Yoga Centers in the Pacific Island countries.
Taking X, MoS wrote: "Happy to join #Yoga, Health & Well-being session at Majuro, Marshall Islands. Under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) framework, India is helping to set up #Yoga Centers in the Pacific Island countries."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) further said in its statement that Since 2005, India has undertaken twelve development projects in the Republic of Marshall Islands in areas such as solar energy, communication equipment, export strategy, disaster relief, community development, water and sanitation.
India and the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) are working together in various areas of mutual interest such as climate change, environment conservation, health and education, capacity building including through ITEC courses. RMI is also a member of the International Solar Alliance, Ministry of External Affairs of India said in its release.
In the statement released on October 20, MEA said that relations between India and the Republic of Marshall Islands have expanded over the years both bilaterally and under the aegis of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
