Historic meeting between Prime Minister Rabuka and Prime Minister Modi further reaffirms Fiji-India relationship

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka today met with his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, reaffirming the warmth and mutual respect that continue to define the longstanding friendship between Fiji and India.

The historic meeting,held at the Hyderabad House, underscored the deep historical ties, shared values, and commitment of both nations to strengthening cooperation for the prosperity of their peoples.

Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed Hon. Rabuka and his delegation, with both leaders advancing discussions on the full spectrum of bilateral matters, and regional and global issues of mutual interest.

To begin with, Prime Minister Rabuka conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Fijian Government and people, and congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the people of India on the recent 79th Independence Day celebrations.

He acknowledged India’s remarkable transformation over the years and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the growth of the relationship and reaffirmed their resolve to build a broad-based, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership in areas such as defence, health, agriculture, agro-processing, trade and investment, development of small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, culture, sports, education and skill development.

Discussions focused on key bilateral priorities, including the implementation of outcomes from the 3rd Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-3), particularly the landmark 100-Bed Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva.

Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed that land registration for the project has been completed, paving the way for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
He noted the hospital will greatly enhance Fiji’s healthcare sector and serve both Fijians and the wider Pacific region.

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 Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which aligns with his “Ocean of Peace” vision to promote regional peace, security, and prosperity.

He also acknowledged India’s role as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum and welcomed continued engagement under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Further, both Prime Ministers underscored the importance of a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

For this, they expressed their interests to strengthen regional maritime security, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

At the multilateral front, Prime Minister Rabuka thanked India for its partnership in international forums and emphasised the need for reformed multilateralism that reflects accountability, inclusivity, and equity in addressing global challenges.

Today’s bilateral meeting also featured the exchange of significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the two nations.

Both leaders welcomed the signing of the following MOUs, aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors:

(i) Memorandum of Understanding between the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) of India to enhance collaboration in rural development, agricultural financing and financial inclusion;

(ii) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Standardization between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS) of the Republic of Fiji;

(iii) Memorandum of Understanding between National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India and Pacific Polytechnic, Fiji, for cooperation in the field of human capacity building, skilling, and upskilling;

(iv) Memorandum of Understanding between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) to further economic and commercial ties; and

(v) Agreement between M/s. HLL Lifecare Ltd. and Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Republic of Fiji on supply of medicines under Jan Aushadhi Scheme.