Solomon Islands and India advance cooperation in renewable energy, health, education and maritime security ahead of a proposed 2027 visit.
Solomon Islands and India are advancing plans to strengthen bilateral relations through cooperation in renewable energy, health, education and maritime security.
Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale held discussions with India’s Ambassador-designate to Solomon Islands H.E Rajeev Kumar in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, focusing on opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the Ambassador-designate and highlighted the significant potential for collaboration.
The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s intention to undertake a bilateral visit to India towards the end of the first quarter of 2027 to advance cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Key priorities include renewable energy, health, education and maritime security.
He highlighted opportunities for investment in solar energy and battery storage systems, concessional financing for infrastructure resilience, and cooperation to address drug infiltration and other transnational crimes.
H.E Kumar welcomed the proposed visit and expressed India’s readiness to advance discussions through concrete proposals, feasibility studies and technical engagements.
He also highlighted India’s regional support in space technology, particularly for fisheries and agriculture, and its ongoing collaboration with Solomon Islands National University on a cyber hub.
He agreed to progress technical discussions ahead of the proposed 2027 visit.
The Ambassador-designate is expected in Honiara this week for further engagement with the Acting Prime Minister and government officials.
The meeting reinforces both countries’ commitment to building a stronger partnership through practical cooperation and shared development priorities.
SOURCE// OPMC PRESS RELEASE
