India and Fiji on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across a wide spectrum, from defence and health to trade, agriculture, climate action and people-to-people exchanges. The announcement came after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on his first official visit to India as Fiji’s leader.
Welcoming Rabuka and his delegation, PM Modi described the relationship as rooted in shared history and values. Both leaders underlined the importance of building a “broad-based, inclusive and forward-looking partnership” under the spirit of Veilomani Dosti (friendship and compassion).
Defence and Security Cooperation
The leaders reviewed growing momentum in defence ties and agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and capacity building. India announced the gifting of two ambulances to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the setting up of a defence wing at its High Commission in Suva, and the establishment of a Cyber Security Training Cell. Rabuka welcomed India’s support in securing Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone, and the planned port call by an Indian naval ship.
Health and Development Partnership
Healthcare emerged as a major pillar of cooperation, with the signing of an MoU for the construction of a 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Suva—the largest Indian grant project in the Pacific. The leaders also welcomed collaboration under India’s telemedicine initiative e-Sanjeevani and the upcoming second Jaipur Foot camp in Fiji. India will also extend tertiary medical care in Indian hospitals to Fijians under the Heal in India programme.
On development cooperation, the leaders announced the Tubalevu Ground Water Supply Project, the first Quick Impact Project (QIP) in Fiji, aimed at providing clean drinking water.
Climate Action and Energy
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainable development under India’s Mission LiFE and the Pacific’s 2050 Blue Strategy. Fiji’s active membership in the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance was welcomed, alongside new initiatives such as a solar training centre at Fiji National University.
Trade, Agriculture and Innovation
The leaders noted untapped potential in bilateral trade and pledged to diversify economic cooperation. India welcomed Fiji’s decision to grant market access for Indian ghee. To boost agriculture, PM Modi announced the gifting of 12 drones, two mobile soil testing labs, and cowpea seeds. An ITEC expert will also be deputed to Fiji Sugar Corporation to support innovation in the sugar sector.
Cultural and People-to-People Links
Recognising deep-rooted cultural ties, both sides welcomed initiatives such as deputing a Hindi-Sanskrit teacher to Fiji and training a cohort of Fijian pundits in India. An International Geeta Mahotsav will also be organised in Fiji later this year. A Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility was signed to facilitate movement of professionals and students.
Regional and Global Issues
Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism, including the recent Pahalgam attack in India, and pledged zero tolerance against radicalisation and terror financing. They reiterated support for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with Rabuka announcing Fiji’s intention to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. PM Modi, in turn, commended Rabuka’s advocacy of the “Ocean of Peace” concept for the Pacific.
On global governance, Fiji reaffirmed support for India’s bid for permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council and its candidature for a non-permanent seat in 2028-29. Rabuka also praised India’s leadership in amplifying the concerns of the Global South through initiatives like the Voice of Global South Summit.
New Agreements Signed
Five key agreements were signed, including MoUs between Fiji Development Bank and NABARD; Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s trade measurement body; NIELIT and Pacific Polytechnic; Confederation of Indian Industry and Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation; and a supply agreement for affordable medicines under India’s Jan Aushadhi scheme.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude for India’s hospitality and invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Fiji. The two leaders pledged to continue working together to advance shared goals of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.