The Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt, carrying over 200 naval personnel, has reached Fiji as part of a significant mission to bolster defense relations and enhance people-to-people interactions between India and Fiji. Commanding Officer Commander Kutuhal Limaye emphasized the ship’s journey of over seven thousand miles to Suva Port, aimed at building bridges of friendship through professional and cultural exchanges with the Fiji Navy and local communities.
During its stay, the crew will engage in joint training sessions focusing on key aspects such as bridge resource management, damage control, firefighting, search and rescue procedures, and diving operations. Additionally, they will participate in cultural and sporting activities, including volleyball and cricket matches, alongside performances by the Indian naval band with the Fijian band.
The visit aligns with a broader initiative following Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent trip to India, where both nations committed to strengthening cooperation. Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta expressed that this visit underscores the ongoing efforts to deepen the bilateral relationship, marked by recent developments such as the establishment of a defense wing at India’s High Commission in Suva and commitments to bolster Fiji’s maritime security capabilities.
This visit is also part of a larger context where India and Fiji have constantly sought to expand their collaboration not only in defense but across multiple sectors including healthcare, climate resilience, education, and technology. Recent talks have discussed potential equipment transfers, cyber security initiatives, and other capacity-building measures relevant to strengthening Fiji’s strategic capabilities and safeguarding its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Overall, the arrival of INS Kadmatt echoes a positive and forward-looking trajectory of Fiji-India ties. It promises to deliver practical benefits through shared experiences and learning, while reinforcing mutual understanding and relationship building. This furthers a long-standing partnership aimed at promoting peace and development in the Indo-Pacific region, ultimately benefiting both nations and the wider Pacific community.
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