Tuvalu
Bilateral relations between India and Tuvalu have grown steadily since the reopening of the High Commission of India, Suva in 1999.
Cooperation to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 Pandemic
- In August 2020, Government of India approved funding of US 370,353/- for support to Tuvalu’s response to COVID-19.
Capacity Building & Other Exchanges
- Training slots are offered to Tuvalu under the ITEC Programme of the Government of India.
- Diplomats are also offered training at the Foreign Service Institute of India.
- 3 slots were utilized out of 10 offered in 2017-18, 3 slots were utilized out of 10 offered in 2018-19, 1 slot was utilized out of 3 offered in 2019-20. All 03 slots were unutilized in 2020-21 primarily owing to the prevailing Covid situation.
- Under the ICCR’s General Scholarship Scheme (GSS), five slots have been allotted for Tuvalu for 2021-2022.
- Mr Leopold Kenieti Paeniu, United Nations Desk Officer, attended 63rd Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) held at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi from 29 March- 28 April 2017.
- “Sagar Amrut Scholarships” scheme for the PIC countries was announced during FIPIC-III summit held in May 2023. Under the scheme India is offering a total of 200 fully funded scholarship slots each year to participants from PIC countries.
- Tuvalu has become one of the Founding Members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) – a joint initiative of the Governments of India and France to promote solar energy.
- Former Prime Minister Honourable Enele Sosene Sopoaga visited New Delhi to attend the Founding Conference of ISA in March 2018.
Development Cooperation (Grants/ LoCs/ Assistance)
- Government of India provides annual grants for community development projects in Tuvalu.
- In 2019, India assisted Tuvalu with US$1.9 million as contribution towards construction of Tuvalu Convention Centre for hosting the 50th Pacific Islands Forum Summit in Tuvalu in August 2019.
- Annual Grant in Aid of US$200,000
- Assistance through special grants and HADR
- Assistance of US$275,122 for construction of government buildings in 2017
- Assistance of US$ 1.9 million towards construction of Tuvalu Convention Centre for hosting the 50th Pacific Islands Forum Summit in August 2019
- Under the India-UNDP Fund, Tuvalu was assisted with US$370,353 for strategic response to Covid-19 pandemic.
- A Consignment of Medical Supplies containing Tuberculosis medicines was handed-over to Tuvalu on 11 April 2022 to combat Tuberculosis disease in Tuvalu.
- In June 2020, the project to improve resilience in the Pacific Island Countries (including Tuvalu) was signed between United Nations Resident Coordinator and Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) to be largely funded by India.
- Under the scheme Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems will be installed on buildings of national significance. (Total funding: US $ 1 Million)
