Pacific Islands and African media delegates visit India [1]
Monday, January 26, 2026 - 21:10. Updated on Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 11:03.
By Katalina Siasau
Twenty-five journalists from the Pacific Islands, Central Africa, and West Africa travelled to India for a media familiarization visit from 13-22 January, 2026.
Matangi Tonga Online journalist Katalina Siasau from Tonga was invited, alongside two journalists from Fiji, one from Kiribati, and one from the Cook Islands, for this high-level program, with 20 other journalists from 11 African countries.
The media familiarization visit was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India.
The delegation spent the first three days in the capital city of New Delhi, experiencing the city's blend of ancient history and modern development, its tree-lined avenues, imposing structures and buildings such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The group engaged in an intensive itinerary of meetings with top government ministries and institutions.
Taj Mahal
A highlight of the visit was a trip to the Taj Mahal, one of the ancient wonders of the world.
Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever constructed.
It serves as a profound symbol of eternal love. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the mausoleum is the finest example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. Its construction took 22 years, spanning from 1631 to 1653.
Approaching the mausoleum in person was a magical and truly unforgettable experience.
An estimated three million people visited the site during the Taj Mahal "Urs", a special annual event commemorating the death anniversary of Emperor Shah Jahan, observed this year from 15 January to 17 January.
During these three days, the Taj Mahal gates were opened for free entries.
South-South Cooperation
In New Delhi the group met with the Director of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), Professor Sachin Kumar Sharma and some of his leading professors. They introduced to us the institute's many roles not only in India but globally, including international economic development, trade, and technology. RIS is a think tank established in 1983, which focuses on promoting South-South Cooperation and fostering policy dialogue among developing countries.
The visiting group met with the Global Director for Programmes and Strategy of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Mr. Ramesh Subramaniam.
The CDRI, which includes Tonga among its 50 member countries, is an institution that aims to promote infrastructure resilience against climate and disaster risks.
We also held a high-level discussion with the Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), K. Nandini Singla, and other high officials.
The ICCR's job is connecting countries and people through culture, music, art and dance.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
The group also had the opportunity to tour the official residence of the President of India, President Droupadi Murmu, India's second female President.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is located at the western end of Rajpath, Raisina Hill in New Delhi.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has 340 rooms in its main building that has the president's official residence, including reception halls, guest rooms and offices, also called the mansion. The entire 130-hectare (320-acre) Presidential Estate includes the presidential gardens, large open spaces, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls.
In terms of area, it is the second largest residence of any head of state in the world after Quirinal Palace in Italy. We took photos outside as electrical devices were strictly prohited inside.
Media delegation from Pacific Islands and Africa
- Tonga: Katalina Siasau, Matangi Tonga Online
- Cook Islands: Melina Etches, Cooks Islands News
- Cote'd Ivoire: Koudou Edouard, Fraternite Matin
- Democratic Rep. of Congo: Mvuabika Kayala, Radio Television Nationale Congolaise (RTNC)
- Equatorial Guinea: Eulogio Nsegue, TV6E
- Fiji: Rakesh Kumar, The Fiji Times Pte Limited
- Mansi Chand, Communications Fiji Limited
- Ghana: Cheryl Baisie, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
- Aidoo Robert, The High Street Journal
- Botchway Martey, Ghana News Agency
- Blessed Sogah, Joy News
- Ebenezer Njoku, Business and Financial Times
- Lawson Drompenu, TV3, Media General
- Kiribati: Teaiben Nomeneta, Broadcasting and Publication Authority
- Liberia: Best Gwenning, Daily Observer
- Christiana Saywah, The Inquirer Newspaper
- Mauritania: Ahmed Abderrahmane, Mauritanian Television (TVM)
- Hamoud Yahdih, Rim Now and El Oussra TV
- Nigeria: Abdoulkader Idi
- Republic of Congo: Jesus Bilongo, Vox Congo
- Sao Tome: Abel Tavares, Tela Non newspaper
- Sierra Leone: Amin Sesay, The Calabash Newspaper
- Alhaji Kamara, SLAJ
- Thomas Dixom, New Age Newspaper
- Togo: Memede Azododassi, Savoir News Media House