The Government of Fiji and the Republic of India convened the Sixth Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, cultural ties, socio-economic development and international cooperation.
The consultations brought together senior officials from both governments to review current areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities for deeper ongoing collaboration. The meeting also served as a strategic platform to prepare for the upcoming official visit of the Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka, to India on 25 August 2025.
The one-day consultation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva, was presided over by Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Raijeli Taga and the Republic of India’s Secretary (South) in the Ministry of External Affairs Dr. Neena Malhotra.
Taga welcomed Malhotra and her delegation from the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India and expressed her deep gratitude to India for its support in facilitating this important dialogue. She acknowledged India’s contributions to Fiji’s socio-economic development through the Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries Cooperation, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and various bilateral development projects such as the proposed 100-bed Super Speciality Cardiology Hospital.
Malhotra conveyed similar sentiments, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the Sixth Foreign Office Consultations would lead to stronger cooperation between the two countries. She also appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from senior government officials about Fiji’s foreign policy, regional cooperation and national development priorities. Dr Malhotra added that she looks forward to the implementation of the landmark 100-bed super speciality hospital project and the establishment of the Indian Cultural Centre and Chancery in Suva.
As Fiji and India approach the commemoration of 55 years of formal diplomatic relations, the Sixth Foreign Office Consultations served as an important dialogue that reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to preserving their historical ties and enduring partnership and to elevating the relationship to new heights.
