Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held delegation-level bilateral talks with Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The two leaders then held a joint press briefing and spoke about the shared history between the two nations.
Welcoming the Fijian Prime Minister, PM Modi said that his (PM Rabuka) visit marks a new chapter in India-Fiji relations. He also recalled his own visit to Fiji in 2014, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 33 years.
“After 33 years, in 2014, an Indian PM visited Fiji. I am very happy and proud that it was my good fortune. At the time, we formed Foreign For India Pacific Island Cooperation – FIPIC. This initiative not only strengthened India-Fiji relations but also our relation with the entire Pacific region. With this visit of PM Rabuka, we are adding a new chapter in our relations,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi Announces Key Health, Defence Projects
PM Modi stated that the two leaders have taken several important decisions. He informed that a 100-bed super speciality hospital will be constructed in Suva, Fiji, adding that a “healthy nation can only be a prosperous nation.”
“In today’s meeting, we took many important decisions. We believe that a healthy nation can only be a prosperous nation. We have decided that a 100-bed super speciality hospital will be constructed in Suva, Fiji. Dialysis units and sea ambulances will be sent to Fiji, and Jan Aushadhi centers will be opened there, so that affordable and high-quality medicines reach every home. A Jaipur foot camp will also be organised in Suva,” PM Modi added.
India and Fiji have also decided to strengthen mutual cooperation in the defence and security sector, stated PM Modi.
“We have decided to strengthen mutual cooperation in the defence and security sector. An action plan has been prepared for this. To empower Fiji’s maritime security, India will provide cooperation in training and equipment. India and Fiji are ready to share our experience in the fields of cybersecurity and data protection. We agree that terrorism is a huge challenge for all of humanity,” said PM Modi.
PM Rabuka arrived in Delhi on Sunday, marking the start of his official three-day visit to India. He paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Monday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared pictures of the leader paying tribute on X, and called the Fijian leader an “important Global South and FIPIC partner.”
The MEA wrote, “Welcoming an important Global South and FIPIC partner. PM @narendramodi received PM Sitiveni Rabuka @slrabuka of Fiji at Hyderabad House for delegation level talks.”
