The North News
New Delhi, August 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka have pledged to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors while strongly condemning terrorism in all its forms. In a joint statement issued in New Delhi on Monday, the leaders denounced the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, rejecting double standards and calling for greater global efforts to combat radicalisation, terror financing and recruitment. They also pledged to work jointly at the UN and other multilateral forums to strengthen counter-terrorism mechanisms.
Rabuka, on his first visit to India as prime minister, held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi on bilateral, regional and global issues. The two leaders reviewed cooperation in defence, healthcare, agriculture, education, culture and trade, expressing satisfaction at the progress made in recent years. They highlighted the contribution of the Girmitiyas, Indian indentured labourers who helped shape Fiji’s cultural identity, and welcomed efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.
The visit saw a series of agreements signed, covering healthcare, agriculture, education, renewable energy and defence. India announced plans to build a 100-bed super-speciality hospital in Suva, while also supporting Fiji with medical aid, telemedicine initiatives and generic drug supply. Cooperation in renewable energy will include a solar research centre at Fiji National University and expanded collaboration through the International Solar Alliance. India will also supply drones and soil-testing labs to support Fiji’s agriculture sector.
On defence, both sides committed to enhancing maritime security, UN peacekeeping cooperation and capacity building for Fijian forces. India announced the gifting of ambulances, agricultural drones and the establishment of a cyber security training cell in Fiji. The two leaders also emphasised the importance of the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive region, with Fiji expressing its intent to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Trade relations were another key focus, with the leaders noting untapped potential for investment and diversification of supply chains. Fiji recently granted market access to Indian ghee, and both countries signed agreements to strengthen cooperation in rural development, standardisation, IT training and pharmaceutical supply.
The leaders also pledged to step up collaboration on climate action, resilience and sustainable development, with Fiji actively participating in India-led initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
On global governance, Rabuka reiterated Fiji’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and welcomed India’s leadership in giving a stronger voice to the Global South. Both leaders committed to closer coordination on international issues, with Modi praising Fiji’s championing of the ‘Ocean of Peace’ concept for the Pacific region.
Rabuka thanked India for its hospitality and invited Modi to visit Fiji in the near future.
