Image Source: IANS Live
On August 25, 2025, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, paid a significant visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan where he met with India's President, Droupadi Murmu. This high-level meeting marked an important milestone in the ongoing diplomatic engagement and development partnership between India and Fiji. The discussions were characterized by warm exchanges recalling past interactions, reinforcing shared values, and outlining future cooperation initiatives to deepen bilateral relations and support Fiji's socio-economic priorities.
Key Highlights:
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The meeting warmly recalled President Murmu's prior state visit to Fiji in August 2024, including her interactions with indigenous tribal elders and the Indian-origin Girmitiya community in Fiji.
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President Murmu emphasized India's commitment to strengthening ties with Pacific Island Countries (PICs), especially Fiji as a special partner.
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A landmark MoU was signed to establish a Super-Speciality hospital in Fiji, demonstrating enhanced healthcare cooperation.
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Both leaders discussed capacity building, knowledge sharing, and cooperation in advanced digital financial technologies such as UPI, Jan Dhan, and Aadhaar systems.
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Fiji reaffirmed its support for India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
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The leaders condemned terrorism in all forms, specifically condemning the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, and agreed to collaborate on counterterrorism efforts regionally and globally.
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Prime Minister Rabuka also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier the same day, where multiple MoUs were exchanged covering defense, trade, healthcare, agriculture, mobility, and cultural engagement.
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The visit included plans for India's support in cricket training, sending Hindi and Sanskrit teachers to Fiji, and providing agricultural drones.
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Fiji's participation in the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was welcomed by India, reaffirming joint efforts in peace, climate resilience, and inclusive development.
India-Fiji Relations: Historical and People-to-People Ties
The relationship between India and Fiji stretches back over a century, marked by the significant presence of the Girmitiya community—descendants of Indian indentured laborers who have shaped Fiji's multicultural society and economy. President Murmu highlighted the community's vital role in fostering enduring people-to-people connections that form the foundation of bilateral ties.
Strategic and Development Partnership
The India-Fiji partnership today focuses on multifaceted cooperation across health, capacity building, training, climate resilience, and digital innovation. The recently signed MoU for a super-speciality hospital illustrates India's support in enhancing Fiji's healthcare infrastructure. Capacity building continues through Indian training programs and technical exchanges, reinforcing human resource development in Fiji. India is ready to share its experiences in financial inclusion technologies, offering Fiji pathways for similar advancements.
Counterterrorism and Global Cooperation
Both leaders conveyed a unanimous stance against terrorism, strongly condemning the Pahalgam attack which took the lives of civilians in India. They committed to joint counterterrorism actions, information sharing, and combating radicalization and financing of terrorism at the United Nations and other international forums. This cooperation is part of a broader strategy of reinforcing peace, security, and stability in their respective regions and beyond.
Multilateral Engagement and Support at the United Nations
Fiji expressed its unwavering support for India's aspiration for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. Both countries emphasized the urgency of comprehensive reforms in global governance institutions to better represent contemporary geopolitical realities, especially from the Global South perspective. The partnership also extends to collaborating on global issues like climate justice and equitable development.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Prime Minister Rabuka's official trip, accompanied by a high-level delegation, reinforces the momentum of diplomatic exchanges since the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations held earlier in 2025. His engagement spans beyond bilateral meetings to delivering lectures on regional peace and maritime cooperation, symbolizing a shared vision of a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Ongoing collaboration in defense, trade, and cultural exchanges further cements a robust framework for sustained partnership.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), The Tribune (ANI), Newsonair, The Shillong Times, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official releases
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