India-Samoa: Bilateral Brief

High Commission of India

Wellington

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INDIA - SAMOA BILATERAL BRIEF

India and Samoa enjoy friendly and cordial relations. India established diplomatic relations with Samoa in June 1970 and was the second country to do so after New Zealand. The two countries are bound together by membership of the Commonwealth as well as cooperation in different international fora. Some Indian professionals working with multilateral agencies and a few teachers on bilateral contract are working in Samoa. Government of India is also providing regular economic and technical assistance to Samoa. As per available information, about 25 PIOs are settled in Samoa.

High Commission of India, Wellington is concurrently accredited to Samoa. In case of Samoa, its Ambassador in Tokyo is concurrently accredited to India.

Recent visits / developments:

1. Aero India 2025 - Mr. Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, Minister for Police and Prisons and Mr. Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo, Police Commissioner of Independent State of Samoa visited India from 10-14 February 2025 to attend Aero India- 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

2. CHOGM 2024: Samoa hosted the Commonwealth Head of Government meeting from 23-26 October 2024. The event witnessed the participation of leaders from all 56 Commonwealth nations. From India Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Sh. Kiren Rijiju participated in the CHOGM. On 22 October 2024, he was welcomed by the Lautimuia Uelese Vaai, Finance Minister of Samoa. On 23 October, he had bilateral meeting with Ms. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Prime Minister of Samoa. On 23 October 2024, he joined an important discussion on Disaster Resilience and spoke about India’s journey in building stronger communities, protecting lives & creating a safer future, fostering CDRI initiative of PM Modi. On 24 October 2024, Minister had an interactive session with Members of Indian community in Apia, Samoa. He thanked community for being a bridge between our two countries. And affirmed India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Samoa especially in agribusiness, health and people to people ties. On 25 October, he attended the executive session at the Parliament building. On 26 October 2024, Minister also visited village of Toamua in Apia. Village had adopted India for CHOGM. Traditional Ava ceremony was held to welcome the Minister and Indian delegation. On 26 October CHOGM ended with the formal Retreat Ceremony.

High Commissioner visit to Samoa: High Commissioner visited Samoa from 21-26 October 2024 for CHOGM 2024. She participated in the ITEC day organised on 21 October 2024. High Commissioner, engaged with ITEC alumni, encouraging their participation in more future programmes. HC had a session with the Indian community in Samoa and thanked them for promoting India-Samoa friendship. She explained various initiatives and consular services of the High Commission of India in Wellington.

4. Foreign Ministry Consultations: 1st India-Samoa Foreign Ministry Consultations were held in Apia on 21 August 2023. Co-chaired by Secretary (East) Mr. Saurabh Kumar and Ms. Peseta Noumea Simi, CEO, MFAT. Both discussed development partnership including in areas of ICT, health, SME and capacity building and followed up on FIPIC III Summit announcements. Other points discussed were regional & global issues, and cooperation in the framework of PIF, Commonwealth and UN. Both sides agreed to hold FOC on a regular basis. During the visit Secretary (East) Mr. Saurabh Kumar also called on the then Hon'ble PM Fiame Mata'afa.

5. The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-III): The 3rd Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit was held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on May 22, 2023. It was co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape and attended by 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Samoa’s Prime Minster Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa led the 4 member delegation for the Summit in which a 12-point development programme in areas of healthcare, cyberspace, clean energy, water and small and medium enterprises in PIC was unveiled by India.

6. Voice of Global South Summit: On 17 November 2023, Samoan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa participated in the Foreign Ministers’ Session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit. Her remarks were conveyed through a pre-recorded video message. The Summit was chaired by Dr S Jaishankar under the theme - India & the Global South: Emerging Together for a Better Future. Important discussions held on furthering South-South cooperation and consolidating the gains from G20 India for the Global South.

7. The 1st Voice of South Summit was held virtually on 12-13 January 2023, with 10 sessions in total. PM Narendra Modi hosted the first session and inaugurated the summit. This was followed by sessions at Ministerial level, each dedicated to address and find solutions to the most pressing concerns of the developing world. Samoan Health Minister Valasi Luapitofanua To’ogamaga Tafito Selesele participated in the Summit and spoke in the session 'Cooperation to Build Resilient Healthcare Systems' on 13 January 2023. The main topics of discussion were 'building capacities in healthcare, sharing of best practices and digital public goods in health, ensuring holistic human development, traditional medicine, creation of regional hubs for healthcare.’

8. PM Shri Modi hosted the India-Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) Meeting on 24 September 2019 in New York on the side lines of UNGA. Prime Minister of Samoa Hon’ble Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, represented Samoa at the meeting. The leaders deliberated on a wide range of issues including sharing developmental experiences for attainment of SDGs, enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, joining the newly launched Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, capacity building, implementation of projects under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and roadmap for future India-PSIDS cooperation. PM Shri Modi reiterated India’s commitment to tackling climate change and for increasing the share of renewable energy for which he announced a concessional Line of Credit of US $ 150 million for undertaking solar, renewable energy and climate related projects. He also announced allocation of US $ 1 million to each PSIDS towards implementation of a high impact development project in the area of their choice. He also announced a ‘Distinguished Visitors Programme’ under which eminent persons from these countries can visit India.

9. Visit of MOS for Tribal Affairs: Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Hon. Jaswantsinh Bhabhor visited Samoa from 20 to 23 May 2018. The Minister held discussions of bilateral importance with Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, and with Samoan Acting PM and Minister of Communications & Information Technology Hon. Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i. The Minister also met the Samoan Health Minister Afioga Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama, and toured Samoan health facilities.

10. Sustainable Development Summit: A Samoan delegation led by Deputy PM of Samoa Ms Fiame Naomi Mataafa attended the India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference held in Suva, Fiji, from 25-26 May 2017. The inaugural session of the conference was addressed by Gen. Dr V.K. Singh (Retd), Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India. India and Samoa signed an MOU for establishing a Centre of Excellence in IT in the Samoan capital Apia.

2nd FIPIC Summit: The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi led a 5-member delegation to the 2nd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), held at Jaipur on August 21, 2015. One journalist from Samoa visited India from August 17-24, 2015, as part of the familiarization trip organized by XP Division, MEA, during the 2nd FIPIC Summit.
1st FIPIC Summit: A four-member delegation led by the Prime Minister of Samoa Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi attended the Pacific Leaders’ Summit on 19 November 2014 held at Suva, Fiji along with thirteen other Head of Governments, or designated political representatives of the Pacific island countries.
Asia Leadership Programme on Sustainable Development and Climate Change: Samoan Prime Minister Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Mr. Aiono Mose P. Sua and, Chief Executive officer for Finance, Central Bank, Mr. Iulai Lavea, visited India for the Asia Leadership Programme on Sustainable Development and Climate Change. The event, coordinated by the Asian Development Bank, was held at New Delhi from 2-5 February 2013.
In April, 2023 Vodafone Samoa appointed Mr. Rana Bose as its new Chief Executive Officer following confirmation by the Board of the telecommunications company.
The 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 was also celebrated in Samoa. Mission collaborated with Vodafone Samoa and Sai Motors to organize IYD at the campus of Regional University of South Pacific in Samoa. The event saw enthusiastic participation from members of the Indian community, local Samoans, and the diplomatic corps.

Indian assistance to Samoa:

One Haemo-Dialysis (HD) Machine with a Portable RO Unit at a cost of Rs 2.18 Cr was supplied to Samoa in December 2024 as part of FIPIC-III deliverables.
Earlier three Dialysis Machines were supplied to Samoa at a cost of NZ$ 122,669.71 in September 2006 under bilateral assistance. The Samoan government had requested for donation of three more machines in 2007 which were delivered in March 2008 [at a cost of NZ$ 66316.74 (US$ 50785.90) out of the grant-in-aid of 2006]. Samoa has also requested for replacement of 3 dialysis machines every two years. An amount of NZ$ 65029.60 was provided to Samoa as grant-in-aid in 2009 for funding the purchase of six portable reverse Osmosis systems for the National Kidney Foundation. Three dialysis machines, one blood volume monitor and one temperature monitor were supplied to Samoa in May 2011 at a cost of NZ$ 80,120.
The Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) funded by GoI was set up by C-DAC at the School of Maritime, National University of Samoa in Apia at a cost of Rs. 2.66 Cr (US$ 3,55,000/- approx). It became functional in November, 2019 with the deployment of two personnel from C-DAC. Four master trainers from Samoa had also undergone Advanced IT training at CDAC and obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Computing (PG-DAC) & Post Graduate Diploma in IT Infrastructure, Systems and Security. The Centre was transferred to the National University of Samoa, Apia on 27 August 2021.
Samoa Knowledge Society Initiative Project, supported with a grant of US $ 1 million by India under the aegis of India-UN Development Partnership Fund has been launched on 20 December 2019. The multi-pronged Knowledge Initiative will promote knowledge based sustainable development in Samoa by ensuring ease of access to information for all Samoans.
The Samoa Digital Library (SADIL), funded by a grant of US $ 1 million by India under the aegis of India-UN Development Partnership Fund was launched on 17 January 2022 at the National University of Samoa by the Education Minister of Samoa, Hon’ble Seuula loane Tua’au. High Commissioner Mr. Muktesh K Pardeshi also joined the event virtually. The Digital Library is part of the Samoa Knowledge Society Initiative and this is the first digital library created in any Pacific Island country. The multi-pronged Knowledge Initiative will promote knowledge based sustainable development in Samoa by ensuring ease of access to information for all Samoans.
Under the Samoa Knowledge Society Initiative (SKSI) a mobile app - AgriTouch - has been developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Government of Samoa and it was launched on 7 March 2022. The App provides farmers with access to important information and helps boost their productivity. It allows users to keep records as well as access online resources such as information on farming, trainings, and contacts for ministry officers. Among the guests at the launch were the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Simona Marinescu. High Commissioner Shri Muktesh Pardeshi’s remarks were delivered by CEO Tilafono David Hunter on his behalf.
Under SKSI, the Lifelong Learning Lab was launched on 30 June 2022. It is an inclusive innovation hub for training and collaboration that identifies and nurtures talents, mentors youths, offers accessible learning opportunities to individuals with disabilities, and equips them with the skills required to tackle the contemporary and future challenges of Samoa within the globalized economy.
India gave a cash grant of US $ 2,50,000 to Samoa in January 2020 for relief and rehabilitation of victims of the recent measles epidemic that took of toll of 81 lives and affected 5600 others.
ITEC: Twenty ITEC Slots are being offered to Samoa and it is keenly availing of the offer in recent years, particularly in the field of Information Technology, small scale enterprises, financial management, and other areas of mutual interest. Two candidates from Samoa Ms. Grace Tanielu and Mr. F. C. Warren attended ITEC courses on Receipt and Compliance Audit from 20 November to 13 December 2024 in India. Ms. Menime Philipp attended the ITEC course on Receipt and Compliance Audit Course at International Centre for Information Systems and Audit from 06 to 29 January 2025. Mr. Christian Taaseu attended the ITEC course on International Program on Quality Management in Postal Sector at the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy from 09 to 20 February 2026. Mr. Petelo Ioane Leota attended the ITEC course on IS Audit and Use of Emerging Technologies in Audit from 09-20 March, 2026.
Other Training Programmes: Two officers from the Samoan Foreign Office attended a short-term Course for Diplomats of PICs organized by FSI at Nadi in January 2011. A Samoan diplomat attended the FSI’s special training programme for Commonwealth diplomats in New Delhi in March 2011. Two officers from the Samoan Foreign Office attended a short-term Course for Diplomats of PICs organized by FSI at Nadi from 4 to 8 May 2015 and one Samoan Diplomat visited New Delhi for the FSI Diplomatic Course 2017. Three nominations received from the Samoan side have been forwarded to FSI for the 3rd FSI Special Training Programme. Mr. Davina Koria, Principal Finance Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Samoa participated in the 3rd Special Course for Diplomats from Pacific Island Countries held at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, New Delhi from 20 February – 03 March 2023.

Two participants from Samoa viz. Ms Shalon Tima – Principal Legal Officer and Mr. Numia Tauauve’a – Principal Electoral Statistician participated in International Election Visitors Program (EVP) from 06-10 April, 2026. . The program aimed to promote a deeper understanding of diverse electoral systems, showcase best practices, and demonstrate the use of information and Communication Technology (ICT) in ensuring free, fair, inclusive, and transparent elections. This program ran along side the active general elections in four of Indian states viz., Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala, and one UT Puducherry.

Mr Jovesa Leone Ah Kuoi from Samoa participated in the Advance Orientation Programme for International Solar Alliance (ISA) from 17 to 25 January 2017 in India. Mr Poumulinuku Onosemo, CEO for the Samoan Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure attended the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMUCHUD) in Delhi from 14-16 December 2016.

Economic and Commercial opportunities:

Relationship with India: Trade between India and Samoa is increasing. India exported nearly US$1.71 m worth of goods to Samoa in 2024-25 and imported US$ 3.70 m from Samoa.
The possibility of strengthening India’s business and commercial presence in this small island country of two lakh people in areas of infrastructure, public health and tourism sectors could be considered. That Samoa is an active member of the Small Island Group of Pacific Countries and has been extending support for India’s candidates in international fora and also at the UN on issues of concern to us, vindicates our continued support and assistance for this country. It recently supported India’s candidature at IMO.
India’s Apollo Hospitals Group has signed an MoU with the Government of Samoa in January 2024. Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the Vice President of the Apollos Hospitals in India, Radhey Mohan signed the memorandum. The resumption of the India medical treatment scheme will commence from March 2024.
The Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) between the Government of India and the Government of Samoa, signed on 12 March 2020 has entered into force as of 12 September 2023, following Samoa's completion of internal procedures. Notification of the agreement was made in the Official Gazette of India on 7 February 2024, in accordance with the Income-tax Act, 1961.