The Indian community in Samoa celebrated India's 75th Independence day at the Taumeasina Island Resort on Monday.

The independence movement as a whole spanned more than 75 years and a mass-based, largely non-violent opposition to British rule and the promotion of self-governance. 

Celebrating its anniversary on Monday were members of Samoa’s Indian community, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, India's Honorary Consul to Samoa Va'atu'itu'i Apete Meredith, and members of the diplomatic corps.

India's independence day is celebrated annually on 15 August as a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's freedom from British rule and the success of the non-violent movement that freed it from the yoke of colonialism. 

The High Commissioner to Samoa, who is based in New Zealand, Muktesh Pardeshi, gave his keynote address to the function via a video address.

Mr. Pardeshi congratulated Fiame on her victory in the Samoa General Elections.

"Our both countries enjoy warm and longstanding relationship founded on commonwealth heritage, shared values, and developmental aspirations," the High Commissioner said.

"In 2020 we completed 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between India and Samoa. The fact that India was the second country to establish diplomatic relations with Samoa in June 1970 is a testament to the importance India has attached to this relationship from the beginning.

"India looks forward to strengthening its partnership with Samoa in various areas, particularly in the field of developmental and multilateral cooperation. Both our countries can contribute meaningfully to the promotion of growth, prosperity, and stability in the region."

He had highlighted that these are the most difficult and challenging times for the Indo-pacific region with the threat of climate change, disasters, and a global pandemic.

"India, as a partner and a true friend, would like to extend helping hand to Samoa towards its socio-economic development," he said.

Mr. Padeshi highlighted that under Va'atu'itu'i's leadership the relationship between the two countries is bound to grow.

"The opening of an Honorary Consulate in Apia will go a long way in further strengthening of the ties between the two countries and will help in promoting bilateral exchanges and people-to-people links," he said.

"With these brief remarks, I would like to congratulate Indian nationals, people of Indian origin, and all friends of India in Samoa on this momentous occasion.

"I would also like to wish all success to Mr. Meredith in his endeavors in bringing India and Samoa closer."

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa highlighted the importance of Samoa and India's relationship in her keynote address.

"Our friendship and ties go beyond formal relations. Samoa has been home to the few Indian nationals who came through the Commonwealth to be teachers and then decided to stay and make Samoa their home over the years.

She emphasised that they have continued to contribute to the development of schools and institutions they serve as senior Government officials and successful business people.

Samoans seeking treatment for the most serious of illnesses have successfully done so in India following the successful establishment of the overseas medical treatment plan for more than the past four years.

Fiame had then extended her condolences to India for the loss of lives as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

She had concluded by offering her congratulations and best wishes to the Indian community in Samoa on the commemoration of India's 75th Independence anniversary.