Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underlined the strong friendship between India and Fiji, remarking that though the two nations are “oceans apart,” their aspirations “sail in the same boat.”
The statement came after Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his country’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)—an India-led framework launched in 2019 to promote sustainable use of maritime resources. Welcoming Fiji’s decision, PM Modi said, “We see Fiji as a hub for cooperation with Pacific Island countries. We both support a free, open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
During their joint press conference in New Delhi, Modi praised Rabuka’s vision of an “Ocean of Peace,” describing it as a positive approach to building a stable and sustainable Pacific region.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Global South, with Modi thanking Fiji for actively participating in the Voice of Global South Summits. He stressed, “We are fellow travellers in the development journey of the Global South. No voice should be ignored, and no nation should be left behind.”
Recalling his landmark 2014 visit to Fiji—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 33 years—Modi highlighted how it led to the establishment of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), which has since strengthened ties across the Pacific region.
Healthcare emerged as a major focus, with the signing of an MoU for the design and construction of a 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Suva, the largest project undertaken by India in the Pacific under its Grant-in-Aid Programme. Modi also announced support for dialysis units, sea ambulances, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and a Jaipur Foot camp in Fiji.
Agricultural cooperation was also emphasized, with India set to provide 12 agri-drones and two mobile soil testing labs. Modi lauded the acceptance of Indian ghee in Fiji and noted the successful cultivation of Cowpea (lobia) seeds sent from India.
PM Modi also commended Fiji’s declaration of ‘Girmit Day’, calling it an honour to the shared history of over 60,000 Indian indentured labourers who migrated to Fiji in the 19th century. Their cultural and social contributions, including the preservation of the Ramayana tradition, continue to enrich Fijian society.
Rabuka’s five-day official visit, his first to India as Prime Minister, aims to deepen bilateral ties in healthcare, agriculture, strategic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
