The new High Commissioner of India to Samoa has presented her credentials to the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

Neeta Bhushan presented her letter of credence in a ceremony at the official residence of the Head of State at Vailele on Thursday morning. Currently resident in the New Zealand capital Wellington, she is also accredited to Samoa, according to a Samoa Government press release.

During the credential ceremony, both the Head of State and the High Commissioner acknowledged the warm friendly relations between Samoa and India since the establishment of diplomatic relations in June 1970. 

Samoa continues to benefit from the assistance provided by India through its grant aid programme in various areas including the education and health sector. These include the Indo-Samoa Medical Treatment Scheme, the establishment of the Centre for Excellence in IT at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) and humanitarian relief assistance during the measles and COVID-19 pandemic.

India continues to play an active role as a Pacific Island Forum Dialogue Partner and provides support to the region through its contributions to development and technical cooperation. The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) provides direct engagement by India and the 14 Pacific Island countries leaders to address common issues of interest and concern on the blue economy, climate change, disaster preparedness, health, security and renewable energy. 

The Head of State said he is confident that Ms. Brushan’s appointment as High Commissioner of India to Samoa will no doubt provide more opportunities for collaboration on matters of mutual interest to further strengthen Samoa and India’s bilateral ties.

Ms. Bhushan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics. She joined the Ministry of External Affairs of India in 1994 and held various senior positions. She has held diplomatic postings as Third Secretary and later Second Secretary at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, as First Secretary/Counsellor at the Embassy of India in Berlin, Germany and then later as Consul General/Officer on Special Duty at the Consulate General of India in Chicago in the United States. 

This is her first Head of Mission appointment as High Commissioner of India to New Zealand with accreditation to Samoa. Ms. Bhushan is married.