Solomon Islands receives India’s new Non-Resident High Commissioner, reaffirming diplomatic ties and expanding development cooperation.
The Governor-General of Solomon Islands, H.E Reverend David Tiva Kapu has received the Letters of Credence of His Excellency Rajeev Kumar, to be accredited as the Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Solomon Islands, during a formal ceremony at Government House on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.
In welcoming High Commissioner Kumar, the Governor-General conveyed the warm greetings and goodwill of His Majesty King Charles III, the Government and people of Solomon Islands to the President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, and the Government and people of India.
The Governor-General highlighted the longstanding friendship between Solomon Islands and India, noting that 2027 will mark 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, premised on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation.
The Governor-General acknowledged India’s continued partnership with Solomon Islands across key development sectors, including education, human resource development, information and communications technology, health, renewable energy and sports.
He particularly recognised India’s contribution to Solomon Islands education sector, highlighting the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) at Solomon Islands National University (SINU), the solarisation of Government House, technical cooperation in the health sector and transportation support during the 2023 Pacific Games.
He also looked forward to the anticipated opening of the SINU Poitete Campus Relocation and Refurbishment Project in early December.
The Governor-General emphasized these education initiatives complement the GREAT Coalition Government’s priorities of expanding access to quality education, strengthening technical and vocational training, and developing a skilled workforce.
Looking ahead, he expressed Solomon Islands’ interest in expanding future cooperation with India in digital transformation, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, climate resilience and bilateral trade.
At the regional level, the Governor-General recognised India as an important partner and acknowledged the growing engagement through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)for Pacific Island countries and the wider Global South.
The Governor-General expressed confidence that High Commissioner Kumar’s tenure would further strengthen relations between the two countries and create new opportunities for cooperation.
Solomon Islands values its continued and longstanding friendship with India, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties and advancing opportunities for development priorities that would deliver mutual benefits for both peoples’ and countries.
—MFAET PRESS RELEASE
