Indian High Commissioner To SI Presents Credentials

Indian High Commissioner To SI Presents Credentials

The New India High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Madhava Chandra has presented his letter of credence to the Governor General Thursday last week. The ceremony has formalized High Commissioner Chandra’s appointment as the Indian Government’s chief representative in Solomon Islands.

High Commissioner Chandra said that the Relations between India and Solomon Island are marked by an understanding of minds and that both countries share a common view on most of the international and regional issues.

He said India has granted duty free access to all least developed countries and urges Solomon Island to take advantage of this concession for increasing its exports to India and that India is ever ready for assistance in local capacity building and sharing its expertise developed over the years in eco-social development.

High Commissioner Chandra said India as a Dialogue Partner in the Pacific Island Forum is keen to enhance cooperation with the Pacific Island Forum in general and they look forward to the expansion of commercial, economic and technical cooperation with Solomon Islands.

On the bilateral Level India offers 15 scholarships every year under ITEC Program to experts and professionals from Solomon Island to undergo skilled enhancement courses in India. So far India has trained over 35 officials under the India Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) and the Colombo Plan Program.

High Commissioner Chandra also added that India is cognizant of its obligation in protecting and preserving the environment since it will itself be very badly affected in case of global warming.To that effect, India has taken several measures to reduce carbon emission. It has also offered scholarships to the island countries for studies in environmental protection and damage control exercises. “We understand Solomon Island’s sensitivity on climate change and we are continuing with our efforts for reduced emissions and use of alternative energy,” High Commissioner Chandra said.

Meanwhile the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui welcomed H.E Chandra to the Solomon Islands and said that India’s granting of duty free access to all least developed countries including Solomon Islands is an opportunity for the country to do more in the export sector.He said that Government was grateful for the support through both bilateral and multilateral provisions of assistance and in particular the trainings through the India Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) to enhance professional skills of Solomon Islanders.

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