New Delhi, August 25(HS): Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka paid solemn homage to the eternal legacy of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this morning, laying a wreath and offering flowers in a tribute to the Father of the Nation. This symbolic gesture highlights the deep historical and cultural bonds shared between India and Fiji, rooted in the enduring spirit of peace and non-violence that Gandhi epitomized.
Rabuka’s visit to India, his first in his current capacity, is a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at advancing the multifaceted partnership between the two nations. Following his tribute at Rajghat, the Fijian Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, where both leaders discussed broadening cooperation across health, defense, climate action, renewable energy, trade, and cultural exchange.
The visit underscores the importance of India-Fiji relations, built upon a shared history dating back to the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in Fiji in the late 19th century. This connection has evolved into a robust partnership, with India supporting Fiji in areas such as capacity building, sustainable development, and disaster resilience.
In addition to his official meetings, PM Rabuka is slated to deliver a lecture titled Ocean of Peace at the Indian Council of World Affairs, addressing global and regional challenges through the lens of small island developing states.
The four-day visit, concluding on August 27, further cements the close camaraderie between the two countries, reinforcing India’s commitment to the Pacific region through initiatives like the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Prime Minister Modi also hosted a lunch in honor of Rabuka, highlighting the warmth and depth of bilateral relations.
This visit not only pays tribute to the timeless values of peace and unity championed by Mahatma Gandhi but also marks a new chapter in India and Fiji’s ongoing journey of collaboration and friendship
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
