India’s Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Education, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, in a high-level delegation visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), met corresponding officials there to discuss future bilateral partnerships and mutual partnerships across many domains previously unexplored. This is the first ministerial-level visit from India to the Marshall Islands in the last five years. Both nations have witnessed an expansion of both bilateral and multilateral relations under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Understanding the importance of the same, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh led the delegation to RMI for a two-day visit from October 19–20, 2023.
Meetings with Officials
Upon his arrival, Dr. Rajkumar Singh was welcomed and greeted by RMI Acting Foreign Secretary, Tamera Heine. A meeting with Iroij Jimata Kabua, Chairman of the Council of Iroij (the Council of Traditional Chiefs and Elders) of RMI, was held. Not only were development projects discussed but also a celebration of 30 years of diplomatic relations to be held in 2025. Dr. Rajkumar also discussed with the Iroij corresponding traditions and cultural exchanges, yoga, health, and well-being, among other things. Dr. Rajkumar also met Wilbur Heine, acting president of the Marshall Islands. During the meeting, he also called on other Cabinet Ministers of RMI, including foreign affairs and trade, transportation, communication and information technology, culture and internal affairs, justice, immigration and labour, and works, infrastructure, and utilities. With Mr. Wilbert, the MoS discussed strategies to strengthen bilateral relationships and opportunities to expand cooperation and development partnerships, especially in the areas of climate change and renewable energy. With Jack Ading, Minister for Foreign Affairs, apart from discussing issues of mutual interest and bilateral relations, the MoS also explored all possibilities of cooperation on FIPIC-related projects, specifically utilizing ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) courses in India. Dr. Rajkumar also met Kudo Kabua, Mayor of Wotho Atoll, where a community development project is under way at the moment. They also discussed the feasibility of implementing the grant-in-aid projects in the legislative districts of the Ralik Chain of the RMI. During his stay, Dr. Rajkumar also paid a visit to the Women’s Clam and Coral Farm Project. He visited the National Archives of RMI in the Alele Museum and Public Library too. He also participated in a yoga session conducted by yoga enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In the last 30 years, India has undertaken at least twelve development projects in the RMI in areas such as solar energy, export strategy, disaster relief, communication equipment, community development, water, and sanitation. Furthermore, both have also been working on several projects on climate change, health and education, environment conservation, and capacity building, including through ITEC courses. The RMI is also a member of the International Solar Alliance. With high-level visits such as this and a 30-year celebration in the offing, the bilateral relations enjoyed by the two nations can only expand in the future.
