Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita recently interacted with the Indian community in Hong Kong and Macau, commending their contribution to strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing India’s relationship with the Special Administrative Regions (SARs). This engagement highlights the importance of the Indian diaspora in fostering diplomatic relations. The MoS’s visit underscores the Indian government’s focus on strengthening relationships with key regions and communities.
Minister’s Remarks
In a post on X, Margherita stated, “Pleased to interact with the vibrant Indian community in Hong Kong and Macau. Their valuable contributions continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and further deepen the bilateral relations between India and Hong Kong and Macau SARs.” This statement directly reflects the positive impact of the Indian community on the relationship between India and these regions. The vibrant nature of the community was specifically noted by the minister.
The Consulate General of India in Hong Kong also reported on the event, detailing the MoS’s engagement with members of the Indian diaspora. This engagement included meaningful interactions and highlighted the consulate’s role in facilitating these interactions. The interactions focused on the important role played by the Indian community in strengthening these ties.
Community Contributions
The Consulate’s X post emphasized, “Hon’ble MoS lauded the community for their invaluable contributions in strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Hong Kong. He also reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to creating greater opportunities and support for the Indian community abroad.” This official statement underscores the importance placed on the Indian community’s efforts and the government’s ongoing support for them.
The MoS’s positive assessment of the Indian community’s contributions underscores their vital role in strengthening India’s diplomatic relations with Hong Kong and Macau. This reinforces the significance of diaspora engagement in foreign policy.
- MoS Margherita interacted with the Indian community in Hong Kong and Macau.
- Margherita praised their role in strengthening people-to-people ties.
- The Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Indian community abroad.
- The interactions took place at an event organised by the Consulate General of India.
- The MoS lauded the community’s invaluable contributions.
Background
The visit comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen relationships with the Indian diaspora in key regions. The MoS’s engagement with the community highlights the Indian government’s focus on people-to-people diplomacy. The interactions demonstrate the importance placed on nurturing these connections to enhance bilateral relations. The event served as a platform to recognize and reaffirm the support for the Indian community abroad.
What’s next
Following this engagement in Hong Kong and Macau, MoS Margherita is scheduled to visit Papua New Guinea. This visit will focus on events marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of Independence. The trip will include bilateral meetings with Papua New Guinea’s political leadership, interactions with the Indian diaspora and business community, and further builds upon the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
The visit to Papua New Guinea is expected to continue the engagement started at the FIPIC summit in May 2023. The Indian Navy’s recent participation in Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day celebrations further underscores the growing relationship between the two countries. The MoS’s visit is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen these ties. The continued focus on diplomatic engagement reflects a broader strategy for the Indian government.
The MoS’s participation in Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, following the Indian Navy’s presence, signifies the strengthening relationship between India and Papua New Guinea. This continued engagement aims to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation. This commitment to diplomatic engagement highlights India’s strategy in the Pacific region.
