The Ministry of External Affairs said on April 25, 2026 that Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita visited Vanuatu from April 22 to 23 and Tuvalu from April 24 to 25. In Vanuatu, he called on Prime Minister Jotham Napat in Port Vila on April 23 and held talks with Acting Foreign Minister Xavier Emanuel Harry. Discussions focused on capacity building, digital development, climate resilience, economic engagement and multilateral cooperation.
During the Vanuatu leg, the minister visited the India-supported Centre of Excellence in Information Technology on April 22 and interacted with students and alumni. The ministry said the centre strengthens digital skills and human resource capacity. He announced India's assistance, including food grain support, additional hardware and software for the centre, and specialised medical treatment of 10 patients in India under the Heal in India initiative. The ministry also noted that this was the second ministerial visit from India to Vanuatu.
In Tuvalu, Margherita called on Governor-General Rev. Sir Tofinga Vaevalu Falani and met Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Minister Paulson Panapa in Funafuti on April 24. He also met Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Minister Maina Talia and Education, Youth and Sports and Acting Health and Social Welfare Minister Hamoa Holona. Cooperation covered healthcare, capacity building, climate resilience, heritage conservation and people-to-people ties. He visited Princess Margaret Hospital, handed over a cheque for a Quick Impact Project to preserve cultural and heritage sites, and announced a sea ambulance, food grain assistance and treatment support for 10 patients in India.