President Droupadi Murmu is preparing for a three-nation visit next week, beginning in Fiji, where she will address the national parliament.
Her trip to Fiji is scheduled for August 5 to August 7. During her stay, President Murmu will engage in discussions with key leaders of the Fijian government.
In a special briefing about President Murmu’s upcoming state visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, announced that President Murmu has accepted an invitation from the President of Fiji. The visit commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Fiji. President Murmu will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji’s President Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva, and she will also address the Fijian Parliament and interact with its members.
Mazumdar emphasized the strong bonds between India and Fiji, noting that Fiji is regarded as a “special partner” in the Pacific. The President will also participate in a community interaction event in Suva.
“India has significant people-to-people ties with Fiji. More than one-third of Fiji’s population has Indian ancestry, maintaining their languages, customs, and traditions while integrating local influences. The community interaction during the visit is a vital aspect of showcasing our commitment to strengthening India-Fiji relations,” he stated.
He also noted that India has been a robust development partner for Fiji, contributing to various projects and offering credit lines. One major initiative includes the establishment of a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Suva, a project announced by India’s Prime Minister a few years ago and expected to be implemented soon.
Mazumdar provided further details about President Murmu’s itinerary. After Fiji, she will travel to New Zealand and then Timor-Leste. This marks the first visit to both Fiji and Timor-Leste by an Indian president, highlighting its significance. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the Act East policy, the Southeast Asia and Pacific region has been a focal point for India.
Additionally, he underlined the importance of the visit to New Zealand. India shares a longstanding partnership with the Pacific island nations, and Timor-Leste has recently been accepted as a member of ASEAN, set to become its 11th member upon completing the accession process. The relationship with Fiji is also historically strong, as PM Modi launched the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in 2014 from Fiji, establishing a vital pillar of the ties between India and the Pacific Islands.
President Murmu’s state visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste will take place from August 5 to 10, 2024, aimed at enhancing bilateral relationships between India and Pacific nations while reflecting India’s commitment to the Act East Policy.