PM Modi Meets Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka in New Delhi to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
New Delhi, Aug 25 (TTP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka at Hyderabad House on Monday, reaffirming the strong and historic partnership between India and Fiji. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, health, education, renewable energy, and climate change.
A Warm Welcome at Hyderabad House
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X:
“Welcoming an important Global South and FIPIC partner. PM Narendra Modi received PM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji at Hyderabad House for delegation-level talks.”
Following the talks, Prime Minister Modi also hosted a special lunch in Rabuka’s honour.
The Fijian Prime Minister, who arrived in New Delhi on August 24, is on his first official visit to India in his current capacity. He is accompanied by his spouse Sulueti Rabuka, Health and Medical Services Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, and other senior officials.
Paying Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
Earlier in the day, PM Rabuka paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reflecting Fiji’s respect for India’s freedom struggle and shared values of peace and democracy.
He is also scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu during his visit.
Lecture on "Ocean of Peace"
As part of his India program, Prime Minister Rabuka is expected to deliver a lecture on "Ocean of Peace" at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi. The address will focus on peace, regional cooperation, and maritime security — themes of increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific.
India-Fiji Relations: Recent Engagements
The visit comes shortly after India and Fiji held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Suva in July 2025.
- The Indian delegation was led by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), MEA.
- Fiji was represented by Raijeli Taga, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
According to the MEA, the consultations provided a comprehensive review of bilateral ties and focused on cooperation in:
- Health and medical services
- Education and capacity building
- Trade and investment
- Agriculture
- Renewable energy and climate change
- Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to high-level political engagement and scheduled the next round of consultations in New Delhi in 2026.
Continuity of High-Level Exchanges
The visit follows President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Fiji in August 2024, where she addressed the Fijian Parliament and underlined the “close ties and shared values” between the two countries.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s ongoing visit further underscores the importance of regular leadership-level exchanges in nurturing bilateral ties.
India-Fiji Partnership: Strategic and Cultural Dimensions
India and Fiji share a long history of cultural, economic, and diplomatic engagement.
- Fiji is home to a significant Indian diaspora community, many of whom trace their ancestry to indentured laborers brought during colonial times.
- India and Fiji are active partners in the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), a platform to enhance ties with Pacific Island nations.
- The countries collaborate closely on climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and sustainable development — issues critical to island nations like Fiji.
In addition, India has extended assistance in capacity building, IT, healthcare, and scholarships for Fijian students.
MEA on Rabuka’s Visit
In its official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said:
“The visit of Prime Minister Rabuka underscores the long-standing and enduring ties between India and Fiji. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties.”
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s first official visit to India in his current role marks another milestone in the India-Fiji partnership. From trade and investment to cultural exchanges and renewable energy cooperation, the visit reflects the shared priorities of two nations deeply linked by history, geography, and common aspirations.
As both leaders continue to emphasize cooperation under the framework of the Global South and FIPIC, the partnership between India and Fiji is set to play a growing role in shaping regional collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.