New Delhi, August 25(HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held productive talks at Hyderabad House on Monday, focusing on strengthening India-Fiji relations in defense, trade, healthcare, agriculture, mobility, and people-to-people connections. They exchanged MoUs on healthcare, capacity building, mobility, standardization, ICET, and business cooperation. Additionally, PM Modi welcomed Fiji as a member of the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) forum.
Key Outcomes:
Bilateral Documents Signed:
Among the pivotal agreements is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the design, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a state-of-the-art 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, Fiji. This flagship healthcare collaboration aims to enhance Fiji’s medical infrastructure significantly. Furthering healthcare cooperation, an agreement was inked between HLL Lifecare Limited of India and Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services for the supply of affordable medicines under the Janaushadhi Scheme. Other MoUs were signed covering standardization cooperation between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s Department of National Measurement and Standards, human capacity skilling through a partnership between NIELIT India and Pacific Polytech Fiji, and Indian grant assistance for quick-impact projects in Fiji.
In migration and mobility, the two governments declared their intent to foster collaborative frameworks, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and facilitating movement. Highlighting India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji, the lease deed of the Indian Chancery Building in Suva was officially handed over by the Fijian side.
Strategic Announcements:
The visit also unveiled an ambitious slate of collaborative initiatives. A parliamentary delegation and a Great Council of Chiefs’ delegation from Fiji are slated to visit India in 2026, symbolizing cultural and legislative bonds. India plans a port call by an Indian Naval Ship to Fiji in 2025, alongside establishing a dedicated Defence Attaché post at the Indian High Commission in Fiji, reinforcing maritime security cooperation.
In health and social welfare, ambulances will be gifted to the Royal Fiji Military Forces, and a Cyber Security Training Cell (CSTC) will be set up in Fiji, enhancing technological resilience. Fiji’s membership in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was formally announced, broadening regional maritime collaboration.
Economic and cultural ties were further fortified with MoUs between India’s Confederation of Indian Industry and Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation, and between NABARD and Fiji Development Bank. Cultural cooperation extends to sending a Hindi-cum-Sanskrit teacher to the University of Fiji and support for training cohorts of Fijian pundits in India.
To strengthen agriculture and industry, mobile soil testing laboratories and agricultural drones will be supplied to Fiji’s Ministry of Sugar Industry and Multi-Ethnic Affairs. The Indian expertise will support Fiji Sugar Corporation via deputation of ITEC experts and specialized training.
Among notable social initiatives is the organization of the 2nd Jaipur Foot Camp in Fiji and the facilitation of specialized medical treatment under India’s ‘Heal in India’ programme. In sports, an Indian cricket coach will assist Cricket Fiji.
Lastly, India’s culinary heritage entered the Fijian market with the introduction of Indian ghee, a symbol of deepening trade and cultural connection.
These outcomes represent a comprehensive reinforcement of the robust India-Fiji partnership, anchored in shared history and geared toward collaborative prosperity and security. The visit reiterates both nations’ dedication to advancing sustainable development, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting the spirit of their Veilomani Dosti partnership
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
