Diplomatic Visits
India and Samoa established diplomatic relations in June 1970, making India the second country to do so after New Zealand. Over the years, these relations have been reinforced through various high-level diplomatic visits and collaborative initiatives. One notable visit included the INS Tarangini (A75), which visited Samoa in January 2004, marking a significant maritime engagement between the two nations. In addition, members of Indian state legislatures participated in the 23rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar in Apia in May 2012, showcasing ongoing legislative cooperation. More dialogues ensued when the Samoan Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries attended the 45th COCOTECH APCC meeting in Kochi during July 2012, followed by another successful visit in February 2015 for the Ministerial Meeting of the 51st Asian & Pacific Coconut Community.
Numerous key leaders from Samoa have also engaged with India, further strengthening ties. In February 2013, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi and the Chief Executive Officer for Finance at Samoa's Central Bank, Iulai Lavea, visited New Delhi to attend the Asia Leadership Programme on Sustainable Development and Climate Change. Furthermore, Samoan Finance Minister Faumuina Tiatia Faaolatane Liuga led a delegation to the 46th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in May 2013, illustrating a commitment to economic cooperation. Additionally, the Associate Minister for Women, Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow, represented Samoa at the Second High Level Meeting on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and the Pacific in October 2013, highlighting the importance of humanitarian initiatives.
The relationship between India and Samoa gained a significant boost with the launch of the Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2014. By establishing India as an official dialogue partner in the Pacific Islands Forum, both nations sought to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Prime Ministers Modi and Malielegaoi had a pivotal meeting during the First Pacific Leaders' Summit in Suva, Fiji, on November 19, 2014, where they discussed strategic collaborations. Following this, Malielegaoi visited India in August 2015 to attend the 2nd Summit of FIPIC in Jaipur, seeking India's assistance in enhancing the health sector in Samoa.
In a significant turn towards medical cooperation, in March 2017, the Samoan Government decided to send patients in need of treatment to India rather than New Zealand. This decision was driven primarily by the lower costs associated with medical care in India, despite the longer travel distance. Prime Minister Malielegaoi commended Indian medical professionals for their expertise and noted that this shift not only reduced expenses for the Samoan Government but also made high-quality healthcare accessible to more citizens. Moreover, there is potential for further medical collaborations, as the Samoan government plans to invite specialists from India to enhance healthcare services in Samoan hospitals. As both nations continue to strengthen their partnership, the economic, political, and social dimensions of their relationship will likely evolve and expand, paving the way for a prosperous collaborative future.
Trade Relations
Bilateral trade between India and Samoa has witnessed significant growth over the years. In the fiscal year 2015-16, the total trade volume reached approximately US$4.68 million, marking an increase from $3.66 million recorded in the previous year. This growth in trade is indicative of the strengthening economic ties between the two nations. India exported goods worth $2.22 million to Samoa while importing $2.46 million. The primary commodities exported by India to Samoa include plastic and plastic articles, sugar and confectionery, alongside electrical machinery and equipment. On the other hand, Samoa exports mainly electrical machinery, equipment, and articles made of base metals back to India.
The establishment of the FIPIC Trade Office has been a significant step towards enhancing trade relations. During the 2nd FIPIC Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the opening of the FIPIC Business Accelerator at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) premises in New Delhi. This initiative, which officially commenced on 7 September 2015, is designed to facilitate and promote business engagements between India and Pacific Island countries, including Samoa. Moreover, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has launched a specialized department at its headquarters dedicated to fostering trade relations with Pacific Island nations, which underscores India's commitment to enhancing economic cooperation in the region.
Moreover, a significant milestone in India-Samoa relations occurred in September 2016 when both countries signed an agreement for the exchange of tax information. This agreement is crucial not only for promoting trade but also for preventing tax evasion and ensuring transparency in economic transactions between the two nations. The exchange of tax information will help both countries to foster a more secure and stable investment climate, thereby encouraging more trade and economic collaboration in the future.
Overall, the bilateral relations between India and Samoa are on an upward trajectory, with trade agreements and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a robust economic partnership. As both countries explore further opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, the foundation laid by these existing agreements will likely yield significant benefits for their economies in the years to come.
Cultural relations between India and Samoa have been fostered through various initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration. One notable instance was the familiarization trip sponsored by the XP Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, which enabled a Samoan journalist to visit India for the 2nd FIPIC Summit in Jaipur in August 2015. This initiative exemplifies India’s commitment to strengthening ties through cultural exchange and media collaboration, creating a platform for better representation and understanding between the two nations.
In addition to media engagement, sports have played a significant role in the bilateral relationship. During the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games held in Apia in September 2015, India sent a contingent of 33 athletes, who competed in eight different sports. The Indian team performed admirably, finishing fifth in the overall medal tally with a commendable collection of 19 medals, showcasing not just athletic talent but also fostering goodwill through competitive sportsmanship. These events contribute to the cultural tapestry between India and Samoa, enhancing relationships through shared experiences in athletics.
The presence of the Indian community in Samoa, although small, adds another layer to the cultural relations between the two countries. Primarily comprising professionals working with multilateral agencies, along with a few educators, the Indian community contributes to the socio-economic fabric of Samoan society. By December 2016, approximately 25 individuals of Indian origin had settled in Samoa, bridging cultural gaps and promoting exchanges at personal and professional levels. This community plays a vital role in maintaining connections with India and facilitates cultural assimilation and exchange, further enriching the bilateral relations.
Overall, the cultural interactions between India and Samoa reflect a growing, multifaceted partnership that emphasizes media collaboration, sports as a unifying force, and the contributions of the Indian diaspora. These elements not only strengthen bilateral ties but also pave the way for future cooperation in various sectors, ultimately leading to deeper understanding and friendship between the two nations.
Foreign Aid and Humanitarian Assistance
India has played a significant role in providing humanitarian aid to Samoa, particularly in the healthcare sector. In September 2006, India donated three dialysis machines valued at nearly NZ$ 123,000 to aid the growing health needs of the Samoan population. The demand for such medical equipment continued to rise, leading the Government of Samoa to request additional support. In response, India delivered three more dialysis machines in March 2008, and committed to biennial donations of three dialysis machines to replace aging equipment, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the health and well-being of the Samoan people. Furthermore, in 2009, India allocated NZ$ 66,000 to the National Kidney Foundation for the procurement of six portable reverse osmosis systems, enhancing the quality of care available for kidney-related health issues. This was followed by another donation in May 2011 which included three dialysis machines, a blood volume monitor, and a temperature monitor worth NZ$ 81,000.
On a broader scale, India has been a supportive partner in various initiatives aimed at strengthening the regional presence of Samoa. In September 2014, India contributed USD 250,000 to assist Samoa in hosting the third Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) conference in Apia, an important event for discussing sustainable development and cooperation among small island nations. At the Post Forum Dialogue partner meeting in 2006, India announced a USD 100,000 annual grant-in-aid for each of the 14 Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, which was later increased to USD 125,000 in 2009. During the First Pacific Leaders Summit held in Suva, Fiji, on November 19, 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi further elevated India's commitment by announcing an increase of the annual grant-in-aid to Samoa to USD 200,000.
Educational ties also form an essential aspect of India-Samoa relations. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), citizens of Samoa are eligible for various scholarships, allowing many to pursue training in India across diverse fields such as information technology, small-scale enterprises, and financial management. Notably, Samoan officials have actively participated in training courses at prestigious institutions like the National Institute of Small Industry Extension Training (NISIET) in Hyderabad, and workshops on sustainable development organized by TERI for Pacific Island Countries in Fiji in 2007. Diplomatic training has also been a focus, with several Samoan diplomats attending specialized courses organized by India's Foreign Service Institute.
Moreover, Samoa has taken significant steps towards enhancing its educational landscape with Indian support. The establishment of a Centre of Excellence in IT (CEIT) at the National University of Samoa is one prominent outcome of this collaboration. This initiative underscores the importance of knowledge exchange and capacity building, establishing a foundation for future growth and technological advancement in Samoa. Through these multifaceted efforts, India and Samoa have fostered a partnership that not only addresses immediate needs but also promotes long-term development and sustainability in Samoa.