PM Modi, Fijian PM credit Indian labourers for shaping Fiji’s multicultural society

New Delhi, Aug 25: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is on an official visit to India from August 24–26, his first in the current capacity.

He is accompanied by his spouse, Health Minister Antonio Lalabalavu, and senior officials.

In New Delhi, the two leaders held comprehensive talks covering bilateral, regional, and global issues.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across defence, health, agriculture, trade, education, climate action, and cultural exchange.

Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the momentum in ties in recent years, recalling President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Fiji in 2024 and the World Hindi Conference in Nadi in 2023.

Both leaders also underlined the legacy of the Girmitiyas, the Indian indentured labourers who shaped Fiji’s multicultural society.

On security, the leaders strongly condemned terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, and agreed to enhance cooperation against radicalisation, terror financing, cyber threats, and maritime challenges. India has also announced gifting two ambulances to Fiji’s military forces and establishing a defence wing in Suva, with a port call by an Indian naval ship planned. Climate and sustainable development are key themes of the visit. Modi welcomed Fiji’s role in the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuels Alliance. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy, with a solar training centre to be established at Fiji National University.

Health cooperation is being deepened with the signing of agreements for a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, the introduction of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to supply affordable medicines, and telemedicine collaboration through India’s e-Sanjeevani platform. Modi also announced a second Jaipur Foot Camp in Fiji. The visit is also strengthening economic and cultural linkages. India and Fiji signed MoUs in agriculture, rural development, IT training, and pharmaceuticals. Modi announced the gifting of agricultural drones and soil testing labs, while Fiji granted market access to Indian ghee. On the cultural front, both sides agreed on deputing a Hindi-Sanskrit teacher to the University of Fiji, training Fijian Pundits in India, and joint celebrations of the International Geeta Mahotsav.

The two leaders reiterated their shared commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Modi welcomed Fiji’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, while endorsing Rabuka’s call for an “Ocean of Peace” in the Pacific. Prime Minister Rabuka is expected to continue his engagements in India before concluding his visit on August 26.