Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada met with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital on Monday.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart addressed a joint press conference following their bilateral talks in New Delhi. PM Modi underlined the strong friendship between the two nations, noting that the aspirations of India and Fiji “sail in the same boat.”
During the discussions, both countries announced several initiatives, including the establishment of a hospital in Fiji, training opportunities for Fijian cricketers and Pandits, the deployment of Hindi and Sanskrit teachers from India to Fiji, and the provision of agriculture drones.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said the two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the Pahalgam terrorist attack and rejected double standards on terrorism.
“Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives; reiterated zero tolerance towards terrorism; and rejected double standards on the issue. Both countries acknowledged the need to counter radicalisation; combat the financing of terrorism; prevent the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist activities; and address recruitment and transnational organised crime through joint efforts and capacity building,” the statement said.
India and Fiji also agreed to work together at the UN and other multilateral forums to combat terrorism.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, climate justice, inclusive development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
Prime Minister Rabuka praised India’s leadership role in the Global South and expressed appreciation for the mutual support extended in multilateral forums.
Both leaders underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the United Nations, including an expansion of the Security Council in both categories of membership to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Fiji reaffirmed its support for India as a Permanent Member in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council, along with its support for India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent membership for the 2028-29 term.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation as a vital step towards addressing global challenges. They agreed to work together on issues of common concern to the Global South, including equitable representation in global governance institutions.
PM Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday to begin his official visit to India, which will continue until August 26. (ANI)