New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) India and Fiji today underscored the importance of a free, open, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and announced their intent to collaborate on strengthening regional maritime security, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
A Joint Statement issued after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka said the two countries reaffirmed commitment to supporting an ‘’open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.’’
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed Fiji’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and highlighted the concept of ‘Ocean of Peace’ in the Pacific Region which emphasizes building a peaceful, stable, secure, and sustainable future and well-being for the region. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Fiji into this partnership which ‘’seeks to manage, conserve and sustain the maritime domain.’’
The two Leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They condemned in strongest terms the Pahalgam terrorist attack, reiterated zero tolerance against and rejected double standards on terrorism.
Both countries acknowledged the need to counter radicalization, combat financing of terrorism, prevent the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes and tackle terrorist recruitment and transnational organized crime through joint efforts and capacity building. They agreed to work together at the UN and other multilateral fora to combat terrorism.
The Fiji Prime Minister who arrived here yesterday on a three-day official visit, held ‘’comprehensive and forward-looking’’ discussions with Prime Minister Modi on ‘’full spectrum’’ of bilateral matters, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Both Leaders agreed on the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including through the expansion of the UN Security Council in both categories of membership to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Fiji reaffirmed its support for India as a Permanent Member in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council as well as its support to India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent membership for the term 2028-29.
The Leaders reaffirmed continued support to strengthening of South-South cooperation as a necessary step in effectively addressing contemporary global challenges and agreed to work together on issues of common concern to the Global South, including enhanced, equitable representation in institutions of global governance.
The Leaders reaffirmed commitment to climate action, resilience building and sustainable development in the spirit of India’s Mission LiFE, the 2050 Strategy for Blue Pacific Continent and promoting biofuels as sustainable energy solution within the framework of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
Acknowledging the steady growth in bilateral trade they recognized the substantial untapped potential for trade and investment between India and Fiji and expressed intent to deepen sectoral cooperation in areas of mutual interest to further consolidate economic partnership, diversify trade portfolios and enhance resilience of supply chains.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the grant of market access to Indian ghee by the Government of Fiji.
Reiterating their shared vision for a robust, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific economic architecture, both Leaders committed to working closely to promote mutual prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to development partnership in the region through wide-ranging initiatives keeping priorities of Fiji at the centre.
Reaffirming healthcare as a key priority area, he highlighted India’s support for the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (Peoples’ Pharmacies) in Fiji to provide low-cost generic medicines.
Prime Minister Modi announced the 2nd Jaipur Foot Camp to be organized in Fiji. India will also extend specialized/tertiary medical care services in Indian hospitals for upto 10 Fijians under the ‘Heal in India’ programme to supplement Fiji’s Overseas Medical Referral programme.
The two leaders recognized people-to-people ties as a natural foundation and multiplier for deepening India-Fiji relationship, especially economic and cultural ties and welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility to facilitate mobility of professionals and students between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi also extended India’s support for training to a cohort of Pundits from Fiji in India who would also participate in the ‘International Geeta Mahotsav’ (IGM 2025) in India later this year. An International Geeta Mahotsav event will also be organized in Fiji coinciding with IGM 2025 celebrations in India.
The Leaders recognised the significance of agriculture and food security as key areas for bilateral cooperation. agricultural resilience in Fiji.
Both Leaders underlined the importance of Parliamentary exchanges as a step toward strengthening democratic and legislative exchanges. They reiterated their shared commitment to peace, climate justice, inclusive development and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
