Diplomatic Engagements and Milestones
India and Tonga officially established diplomatic relations in 1970, marking the beginning of a cooperative relationship between the two nations. The relationship was further strengthened through high-level visits, including state trips by King Tupou IV and Queen, who visited India in 1971 and 1976. These visits laid the groundwork for understanding between the two sides. During an engagement between Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, T.P. Sreenivasan, and King Tupou IV, the King demonstrated a keen awareness of global issues and developments in South Asia, reflecting an insightful exchange of views. His fondness for Air India, which provided him generous offers, showcased not just the charm of the Indian airline, but emphasized the personal connections cultivated through travel. Furthermore, the visit of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Tonga in 1981 deepened this diplomatic rapport.
The relationship witnessed renewed engagements in the early 2000s, particularly in May 2002, when Tongan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister visited India for discussions with their Indian counterparts. This visit marked a period of enhanced dialogue on various matters including agriculture and foreign diplomacy. The 2005 visit from India’s Special Envoy on UN reforms to Tonga highlighted India’s interest in incorporating Pacific Island nations into broader global discussions. A significant step towards strengthening naval and defense links occurred when INS Tabar visited Tonga in 2006, hosting receptions that brought together local dignitaries and the Indian diaspora, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
In 2009, following his coronation, King George Tupou V made a significant private visit to India, reflecting the ongoing personal ties between the two nations. The Indian representation at his funeral in 2012 illustrated the respect and importance India placed on its relationship with Tonga, acknowledging the loss of a monarch who had bridged cultural ties. Notably, the visit of Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and other Indian political figures to Tonga in April 2012 not only emphasized the significance of parliamentary ties but also inaugurated the Kolomotu’a Solar Project, a demonstration of India's commitment to sustainable development in the region.
With Tonga's membership in the Pacific Islands Forum, India has sought to enhance its engagement in the Pacific region. This was further highlighted during the Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation initiated by the Narendra Modi government in 2014, which lifted bilateral relations to new heights. The participation of Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano in the FIPIC Summit in Suva underscored the collaborative spirit and mutual interest in enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, development, and climate resilience. Prime Minister Modi's announcement of measures to facilitate trade, improve visa processes, and provide annual grants to Pacific Islands, including Tonga, showcased India's dedication to a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.
The representation at the coronation of King Topou VI in 2015 and the Tongan Minister's participation in the second India-FIPIC Summit in Jaipur that year signified the ongoing commitment of both nations to build on their historical ties while exploring new avenues of collaboration. Overall, the dynamic relationship between India and Tonga, characterized by high-level visits, discussions on global issues, and developmental partnerships, continues to evolve, reflecting the enduring spirit of cooperation between these two nations.
Trade Relations
The trade relationship between India and Tonga has seen significant growth, particularly in the fiscal year 2015-16, when bilateral trade reached a total of $1.12 million. This represented an impressive increase of 83.05% compared to the previous fiscal year, highlighting the strengthening economic ties between the two nations. Notably, India did not import any goods from Tonga during this period; instead, the trade balance was heavily skewed in favor of Indian exports. In the 2014-15 financial year, India's imports were limited to plastic and plastic articles valued at approximately $100,000. The primary exports from India to Tonga include a range of goods such as preparations of cereals, flour, starch, milk, pastry products, pharmaceuticals, sugars, and confectionery items, showcasing the diverse nature of the products exchanged.
Educational Initiatives
In addition to trade, educational initiatives have played a notable role in enhancing India-Tonga relations. A significant milestone was the establishment of the Commonwealth Vocational University (CVU) in Makaunga, Tonga, founded by Anwar Shaikh, a prominent figure in the field of education. CVU was inaugurated on 6 February 2016, with the attendance of high-ranking Tongan officials, including the Minister of Police and the Minister of Health. This institution is touted as the first private university in Tonga and aims to provide vocational training and higher education opportunities for Tongan youth. The inception of CVU signifies India's commitment to fostering educational cooperation and capacity building in the Pacific island nation.
Overall Significance
The burgeoning trade relations and educational contributions underscore the multifaceted nature of India-Tonga relations. India’s exports cater not only to Tonga's consumer market but also play a vital role in fostering economic growth. Moreover, educational ventures like CVU are indicative of India's long-term engagement strategy, aimed at empowering local communities through education and skill development. As both nations continue to explore avenues for collaboration, there is potential for greater trade diversification and investment opportunities that can further enhance bilateral ties in the coming years.
Foreign Aid Initiatives
India's relationship with Tonga has been significantly enriched through various foreign aid initiatives aimed at supporting the island nation’s development. A notable component of this engagement is the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, which facilitates training for Tongans, including members of the royal family, in various defense and development courses. This longstanding educational initiative aims to build capacities and skills that assist in local governance and community development. Prince Tu'ipelehake's attendance at the Indian Military Academy in July 1972 marked a pivotal moment, as he became the first Tongan to immerse himself in military training in India, setting a precedent for future collaborations.
Over the years, India has consistently extended its assistance to Tonga through a series of grants aimed at infrastructure improvements and capacity building. The announcement during the 2006 Post Forum Dialogue to provide a grant-in-aid of US$100,000 annually to each of the 14 Pacific Island countries, including Tonga, represents a significant commitment to regional development. By 2009, this amount was increased to US$125,000 annually, reflecting India's growing engagement with the Pacific Islands. Recognizing the pressing needs of the Tongan people, India allocated US$200,000 in 2007 for the construction of an access road and the upgrade of essential maritime facilities in Hunga. Additionally, India contributed to disaster readiness by providing grant-aid for a Tsunami Alert System in 2014, showcasing its resolve to enhance the island's resilience to natural calamities.
The cooperation between India and Tonga extends beyond financial support. It encompasses skills training for Tongan Defence Service personnel in Indian military institutions and proactive participation in workshops focusing on sustainable development. For instance, in March 2007, Tongan officials actively participated in the TERI Workshop on Sustainable Development conducted for Pacific Island Countries in Suva. Additionally, Tongan diplomats have benefitted from targeted training through short-term courses organized by the Foreign Service Institute. Such capacity-building efforts are bolstered by the extensive scholarship opportunities available to Tongan citizens under the ITEC programme, enabling them to gain valuable qualifications and experiences in various disciplines.
Moreover, India's gestures of goodwill have also manifested in humanitarian aid, including the donation of uniforms to the Tongan military in December 2008 and financial contributions to health initiatives, exemplified by the $600 donation to the Tonga Breast Cancer Society in 2017. Furthermore, initiatives like the solar electrification course at the Barefoot College in Tilonia for Tongan women underline India's commitment to empowering communities through education and technology, ensuring that partnerships extend into diverse areas of social and economic development. In summary, the multifaceted cooperation between India and Tonga exemplifies a strong partnership built on trust, development, and mutual benefit, reflecting India's broader goals as it seeks to strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations.