The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), under the leadership of Colonel Aseri Rokoura, convened on July 18, 2025, with Indian Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi for the inaugural Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in Suva. This assembly signifies a substantial advancement in the defense cooperation between Fiji and India, which is framed by the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed in 2017.
Discussions during the meeting focused on pivotal areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), peacekeeping missions, and the enhancement of strategic dialogues, aligning with Fiji’s vision of reinforcing mutual defense objectives to bolster both regional and global security. The RFMF expressed the importance of progressing their bilateral defense priorities, strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
As a part of the visit, the Indian delegation explored significant military installations, including Blackrock Camp, Stanley Brown Base, and the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC). This visit not only fosters a strengthened defense relationship but also symbolizes Fiji’s commitment to pursuing enhanced collaboration with friendly nations.
Additionally, the recent interactions between Fiji and India reflect a broader trend of military cooperation where Fiji has been increasingly active in defense discussions with various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, supporting a collective effort for stability and safety in the Indo-Pacific region.
The optimism surrounding these engagements indicates a promising trajectory for Fiji’s defense diplomacy, enhancing military readiness and operational cooperation which will contribute positively to regional peace.
Fiji’s proactive approach in deepening its strategic partnerships can foster a more resilient security environment, creating hopeful prospects for collaborative efforts in addressing emerging threats and achieving shared goals in the future.
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