Fiji and India Advance Trade Relations

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka spoke with the Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, Hon. Shri Pabitra Margherita over the telephone call – reaffirming the strategic partnership between Fiji and India, that is grounded on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.

The meeting acknowledged the significant advancement of the Fiji-India relations in recent year. This is demonstrated in Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to the Republic of India last year where he met with the Indian Prime Minister Hon. Shri Narendra Modi. Minister Margherita’s visit to Fiji in 2025 as the Guest of Honour at the first Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji symbolised the long-standing cultural bonds and the contributions of the Girmitiyas to Fiji’s development.

Hon. Ditoka expressed appreciation for the Republic of India’s invaluable support for Fiji’s national development priorities across key sectors such as trade and economy, health, education, agriculture, defence and security.

He said the renewed cooperation is underlined in our shared commitment to the “Veilomani Dosti” partnership and our collective goal on peace, security and prosperity.

Minister Margherita congratulated Hon. Ditoka on the assumption of his new ministerial role and expressed India’s commitment to further the relations which has withstood the test of time and continues to remain steadfast and forward looking.

The constructive discussions focused on advancing bilateral, regional and multilateral relations. The two nations are keen to explore opportunities in the areas of trade, agricultural technology, mechanisation, high-yield crop varieties, post-harvest processing, and organic certification, among others.