The new High Commissioner of India to Samoa, Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi, has presented his credentials to the Head of State.

His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II welcomed the diplomat at his Vailele residence on Thursday, saying he was happy to receive his letter of credentials and acknowledged the financial assistance and support of the Indian government to Samoa over the 50 years of their bilateral relationship. 

"I kindly request that you convey to your President, Government and to the people of India the assurance of the warmest greetings from Samoa and also my extended regards for continuing prosperity,” he said. “Your Excellency, I acknowledge my sincere gratitude with financial assistance by your Government towards our national recovery operations of the measles epidemic.”

Mr Pardeshi said the Indian government will continue to extend its support to Samoa to meet its development goals and through projects promoting socio-economic development.

He said the flagship of Indian government assistance to Samoa is the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology which will be officially opened on Friday at the National University of Samoa (NUS). 

Samoans can also benefited from the India Technical and Economic Cooperation, which he said offers training opportunities to enhance capacity building in Samoa, especially in the critical areas of its national development.

The High Commissioner said India attaches great importance to the region and the 3rd India Pacific Forum, which will be held sometime this year and reflects his country’s bold commitment to the region. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during a meeting with the Pacific Island leaders late last year of a concessional line of credit of US$150 million and $1million to each Pacific Island country, which would go towards the implementation of a high-impact development project of its choice.

Receiving the new High Commissioner, His Highness said it is an encouraging attribute of the growing relations between Samoa and India, as both countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

He said Samoa and India’s shared identity within the Commonwealth, the United Nations and other international organizations have contributed to their cooperation in the fields of education, health, environment and technology.

Mr Pardeshi entered the Indian Foreign Service in 15 September 1991 after graduating with a Master of Arts in Sociology. He later became the Attache at the Ministry of External Affairs in January 1993 before departing for diplomatic posting in Mexico in June 1993. H has held several diplomatic posts in Bogota (1995-1998); Kathmandu (1998-2001); Switzerland (2004-2007); and Jakarta (2007-2010). In April 2016, he was appointed the Ambassador of India to Mexico until last year where he was accredited to New Zealand and the Pacific.