His Excellency Pabitra Margherita, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, visited the Bahamas National Trust as part of his historic Ministerial Bilateral visit to The Bahamas—the first such visit from an Indian Minister. Hosted by Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State for the Environment and Natural Resources, Minister Margherita toured the Bahamas National Trust, where he gained insight into The Bahamas’ efforts in environmental conservation and national park management.  

During the visit, Minister Margherita planted a Yellow Elder tree, the national flower of The Bahamas, as a symbol of Indo-Bahamian friendship and a shared commitment to sustainability. This initiative aligns with India’s A Tree for Mother campaign, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote global environmental stewardship.  

The visit underscored the mutual priorities of both nations in biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development. It also provided a platform for discussions on future collaboration in environmental conservation efforts, strengthening ties between India and The Bahamas in this critical area.

Photos: Nikia Charlton