Latest news with #PabitraMargherita
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'Important, Optimistic It'll Be Functional Soon': Union Minister On Sikkim Airport
Taking a keen interest in the Pakyong airport, which serves Sikkim's capital Gangtok and has seen no flight operations for nearly two years, Union Minister Pabitra Margherita said he is optimistic that it will be functional again soon. During a visit to the Pakyong district on Friday, Mr Margherita, who is the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, took stock of development in the agriculture, education, health and civil aviation sectors. Speaking about the greenfield airport in Pakyong, Mr Margherita said, "There are some technical issues there, the officials of the Airport Authority updated me about the present status. We must thank the Prime Minister that Pakyong got an important airport. I think all the technical problems will be resolved, and the Minister for Civil Aviation and the local government are discussing this. I am optimistic that the airport will be functional soon". "Although Pakyong is a new district and is just three years old, it is making good progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay. I am optimistic that Pakyong will be one of the best districts in the coming years. We are seeing the plans and schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi being implemented effectively," he added. On the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La pass, the minister said, "We are trying our best for overall development as well as the preservation of our culture. The Mansarovar Yatra is part of our 1,000-year-old heritage".
India Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
MoS Margherita discusses bilateral ties with New Zealand Dy PM Winston Peters
New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. The two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties between India and New Zealand during the meeting. A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said Margherita also called on the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, on the sidelines of the India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) Dialogue during an official visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12. Luxon and Peters also addressed the INZBC. Margherita delivered the Keynote Address as Guest of Honour at the INZBC Dialogue 2025 on May 9. The MoS also met Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Agriculture of New Zealand, in Auckland. Margherita addressed the Indian community at the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Centre in Auckland and reaffirmed India's strong commitment towards the welfare of the Indian diaspora. He appreciated their contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries, added the statement. During the visit to Fiji from May 10-12, Margherita participated as the Guest of Honour at the 146th Girmit Day commemoration organised in Labasa on 12 May. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji, was the Chief Guest of the ceremony. He paid courtesy calls on Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu, the President of Fiji, and Rabuka, the Prime Minister of Fiji. He also met with Biman Prasad, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics. The statement added that in these meetings, the two sides had wide-ranging discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance ties between India and Fiji further. During the visit, Margherita witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmacopeial Cooperation between India and Fiji. Margherita, along with Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations of Fiji, virtually inaugurated a Yoga Centre located in Seaqaqa. In addition to his bilateral engagements, Margherita interacted with the Fijian alumni of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. The visit of MOS (PM) to New Zealand and Fiji was very well received, and contributed to the enhancement of bilateral ties with both countries in line with India's Act East Policy and the broader vision of the Indo-Pacific. (ANI)
United News of India
12-05-2025
- Health
- United News of India
Fiji to source medicines, medical equipment from India after MoU
Suva/New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) Fiji can now source its medicines and medical equipment from India, with the Fiji Government signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Government today. Representing the Fiji Government was the Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa, while Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented the Indian Government. Ravunawa described this is a milestone achievement for the government and the people of Fiji because through the MOU, Fiji can buy directly from manufacturers in India. He said since independence, Fiji has been buying or procuring medication mainly from the US and UK. The Assistant Minister said it has taken quite a while and they have visited India for some time now and they have seen the advancement in medicines. UNI RN
United News of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka praises significant contribution of Girmitiyas in nation's progress
Suva/New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) Fiji became an economic powerhouse in the Pacific due to the hard work of the Indian migrants who arrived during the indentured labour system, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasised. While delivering his message on the 146th Girmit Day at Subrail Park in Labasa, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasised the contribution of the indentured labourers to Fiji's development. Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita was present on the occasion. He said Girmit Day is a profound moment in our history, as on 14th May 1879, the first ship carrying indentured labourers from India arrived on our shores. He stated that between 1879 and 1916, about 60,000 men, women, and children were brought under an oppressive system of bonded labour to work under very uncertain and often inhumane conditions on Fiji's sugar plantations. The Prime Minister said that many people would have heard the stories of those times during the three days of the event, and that there are many documentaries available to help us learn more about the Girmityas and their descendants. Rabuka said the Girmitiyas were not passive victims, but proud individuals who resisted oppression, reclaimed their dignity, and were determined to define their own place in a foreign land. They stood firm against injustice and helped shape a new identity for their people and their descendants, the PM said Rabuka emphasised that they defied the British overseers at every opportunity to claim their honour, fought for respect, and set a limit to toleration. He said that today we can all come together to remember — and rejoice in — what they have left for us, and we get the opportunity to honour not only the Girmityas who have passed on, but also the descendants who are with us today, who continue to enrich our nation with their talents, their values, and their deep sense of community. Rabuka added that he is also looking forward to the compilation of a database of the descendants of Girmitiyas. He said the Girmitiyas have added to the richness of Fiji's identity as a multicultural society — one where we are united by our diversity. He said this is what makes Fiji special — where we do not simply tolerate difference, but celebrate it. Meanwhile, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita joined the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as Guest of Honour. 'Honoured to join the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as Guest of Honour, alongside Chief Guest H.E. @slrabuka, Hon. @FijianPM. 'In my address, I paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas — whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji.' UNI RN
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
New Zealand initiates trade negotiations with India
Wellington [New Zealand], May 9 (ANI): New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has highlighted India's importance to Wellington's prosperity, security, and society and emphasised the economic opportunities India presents and announced the start of trade negotiations with India, aiming to boost both economies. While adressing the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) event on Friday, Luxon said, 'India is a country of huge importance to New Zealand's prosperity, security and society. And India provides huge economic opportunity for Kiwis too.' 'This week, we've begun trade negotiations with India in an effort to grow both of our economies,' he stated The goal is to create jobs, increase wages, and support cost-of-living efforts. 'When we do that, we create jobs, lift wages and put more money in people's back pockets - my total focus is to help you with the cost of living. Was great to reflect on this and on my visit to India at the India-NZ Business Council's Summit this morning,' Luxon added. Earlier, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, called Luxon on the sidelines of the India-New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) event. The two leaders explored ways to take the partnership forward and strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors. In a post shared on X, Margherita stated, 'Honoured to call on Rt Hon @chrisluxonmp, New Zealand PM, on the sidelines of INZBC event. Explored ways to take forward the India-New Zealand partnership in strengthening our bilateral ties across various sectors.' Margherita also addressed the INZBC Summit 2025 alongside Luxon and New Zealand's Deputy PM Winston Peters in Auckland, where he mentioned that the event's theme was 'Boardroom to Border leadership dialogue. On Thursday, Pabitra Margherita met with New Zealand's Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. The two leaders discussed ways to advance the trade partnership between the two nations. Pabitra Margherita arrived in Auckland for his two-day visit to New Zealand on Thursday. Upon arrival in Auckland, Margherita said that he looked forward to engagements with New Zealand's senior dignitaries. (ANI)
