Fiji and India strengthen their enduring partnership as Rabuka meets Modi in New Delhi
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held constructive talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reaffirming the warmth and mutual respect at the heart of Fiji–India ties. Rabuka conveyed greetings on behalf of the Fijian government and people and congratulated Modi and the Indian public on India’s recent Independence Day celebrations.
The leaders reviewed a wide range of bilateral priorities and regional and global issues of mutual interest, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the growth of their relationship. They discussed advancing a broad-based, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership across defence, health, agriculture and agro-processing, trade and investment, development of small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, culture, sports, education and skill development.
A key focus of the discussions was the implementation of outcomes from the third Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-3), notably the landmark 100-bed Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva. Rabuka confirmed that land registration for the project has been completed, paving the way for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, and he noted the hospital’s potential to enhance Fiji’s healthcare sector and serve the wider Pacific region.
Both leaders reiterated their shared vision for a robust, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific economic architecture and pledged to work closely to promote mutual prosperity. Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), aligning with his “Ocean of Peace” vision to promote regional peace, security, and prosperity. He also acknowledged India’s role as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum and welcomed continued engagement under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. In their discussions, they underscored the importance of a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, including stronger regional maritime security to contribute to peace and stability.
On the multilateral front, Rabuka thanked India for its partnership in international forums and stressed the need for reformed multilateralism that emphasizes accountability, inclusivity, and equity in addressing global challenges. The cordial meeting also featured the exchange of several significant MOUs aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors. The agreements include:
– A memorandum of understanding between the Fiji Development Bank and India’s National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to enhance rural development, agricultural financing, and financial inclusion.
– A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in standardisation between the Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards.
– A memorandum of understanding between India’s National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology and Pacific Polytechnic, Fiji, for cooperation in human capacity building, skilling, and upskilling.
– An agreement between the Confederation of Indian Industry and Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation to further economic and commercial ties.
– An agreement between HLL Lifecare Ltd. and Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services on the supply of medicines under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
Context and value:
– The hospital project and standardisation collaborations reflect a concrete, humanitarian dimension to the partnership, aiming to boost healthcare access and regulatory coherence across Fiji and the Pacific.
– The MOUs highlight practical, on-the-ground benefits—from rural financing and capacity building to pharmaceutical access and private-sector collaboration—beyond symbolic diplomacy.
– Tub-thumping rhetoric aside, the ongoing engagement aligns with a broader regional strategy to strengthen resilience, climate adaptation, and inclusive growth in the Blue Pacific.
What this means for readers:
– A tangible path forward for improved health infrastructure in Fiji that could serve neighboring Pacific nations.
– Increased opportunities for skills development, technology standardisation, and private-sector cooperation between Fiji and India.
– A continued high-level dialogue that reinforces regional stability, sustainable development, and people-to-people ties, building on years of diplomatic engagement and shared values.
Summary:
The Fiji–India partnership is entering a phase of concrete delivery, with the Suva 100-bed cardiology hospital moving toward completion and a slate of MOUs designed to deepen cooperation in finance, standards, capacity building, industry, and medicine. The meeting at Hyderabad House reinforces a long-standing friendship and signals optimism for expanded collaboration across health, trade, education, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Editorial note:
This event continues a positive trajectory in Fiji–India relations, echoing earlier coverage of high-level meetings and development projects, including regional health initiatives and the ongoing push for stronger maritime and economic collaboration. The focus on healthcare infrastructure and practical partnerships provides readers with a clear sense of how diplomatic ties translate into tangible benefits for Fiji and the wider Pacific.
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