Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka meets with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherit

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, in Labasa today.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka, on behalf of the Government and people of Fiji, warmly welcomed Minister Margherita to Fiji.

Prime Minister Rabuka extended his deepest sympathies to the victims of the terror attack in the Jammu and Kashmir region on 22 April.

“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack that targeted tourists and innocent civilians. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wish a full and speedy recovery to those who were injured,” the Prime Minister said.

He reaffirmed Fiji’s solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of India during this difficult time.

Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Fiji and India, rooted in shared colonial history and deep cultural ties that began with the arrival of the first indentured labourers from India in 1879.
He further highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly following the historic visit by Indian Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi to Fiji in November 2014, the first visit by an Indian leader in 33 years, following the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1981.
The Head of Government highlighted the planned construction of a 100 bed Super Specialist hospital in Suva as a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation.

He said it would greatly elevate Fiji’s healthcare services through the provision of specialized medical and cardiology services accessible to ordinary Fijians and the broader Pacific region. This project, he emphasized, would be a key pillar in the advancement of Fiji–India relations and align with Fiji’s broader healthcare goals. Having a direct access of India’s pharmaceutical supplies was also discussed.

In response, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri Pabitra Margherita, acknowledged the warm welcome extended to him and expressed his gratitude for Fiji’s solidarity and support. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Fiji across key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

The Minister highlighted India’s ongoing development assistance to Fiji, including scholarships, technical training programs, and support for key infrastructure projects. He also announced India’s commitment to constructing a state-of-the-art 100-bed hospital in Fiji and direct access to India’s pharmaceutical supplies.

He adds this initiative reflects India’s broader interest in supporting capacity building within Fiji’s healthcare sector through training, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange.
Other matters discussed include land for the chancery of both governments in New Delhi and here in Suva.