NEW DELHI —India and Fiji have pledged to deepen their bilateral partnership across various sectors, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on his first official visit to India. The leaders’ discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas ranging from defence and health to agriculture and climate action.
The two countries signed multiple agreements, including a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the design and construction of a 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Suva—India’s largest grant-in-aid project in the Pacific region. The leaders also welcomed collaboration under India’s telemedicine initiative, e-Sanjeevani, and announced the establishment of a second Jaipur Foot Camp in Fiji.
On the security front, both nations agreed to bolster defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security and capacity building. India will gift two ambulances to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, establish a Cyber Security Training Cell in Fiji, and a Defence Wing at its High Commission in Suva. PM Rabuka welcomed a planned port call by an Indian Naval Ship and Fiji’s intention to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
Other agreements signed include: An MoU on migration and mobility to facilitate the movement of professionals and students. Pacts on rural development and agricultural financing between the Fiji Development Bank and NABARD. Cooperation on standards between the Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s National Trade Measurement and Standards department.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India. Additionally, Fiji reaffirmed its support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat on a reformed and expanded UN Security Council. (ATP)
