New Delhi witnessed a display of diplomatic warmth on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi praised the enduring ties between the two nations, noting that despite being oceans apart, India and Fiji share common aspirations.
PM Modi lauded the contributions of Girmitiyas, the Indian labourers brought to Fiji under the indenture system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“In the 19th century, more than 60,000 Girmitiya brothers and sisters from India contributed to Fiji’s prosperity. They strengthened unity, preserved their culture, and enriched Fiji’s social and cultural diversity,” PM Modi said.
He welcomed Rabuka’s announcement of Girmit Day as a tribute to their shared history.
PM Modi emphasised that India and Fiji will enhance cooperation in defence and security. India will provide training and equipment to strengthen Fiji’s maritime security and share expertise in cybersecurity and data protection.
In health and infrastructure, India will build a 100-bed super speciality hospital in Suva, supply dialysis units, sea ambulances, and establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras to ensure affordable medicines.
In agriculture, India will provide 12 agricultural drones, two mobile soil-testing labs, and support the cultivation of lobia seeds, with Indian ghee approved for export to Fiji.
Highlighting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, PM Modi described India and Fiji as partners in promoting a free, open, inclusive, and secure region.
“Our aspirations sail in the same boat. We are fellow travellers in the development journey of the Global South,” he said, noting collaboration in renewable energy, disaster response, and global alliances such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
PM Modi also acknowledged Fiji’s support for India’s fight against terrorism and stressed climate change as a critical concern for the island nation.
India and Fiji share a relationship deeply rooted in history, which began in 1879 when Indian labourers arrived in Fiji.
India and Fiji have maintained strong cultural ties over the decades through festivals, yoga, language, and community programmes, reinforcing mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.
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