Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, reaffirming the warmth and mutual respect that continue to define the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
The talks highlighted deep historical ties, shared values, and a commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors for the prosperity of both peoples.
Rabuka conveyed greetings on behalf of the Fijian government and people, congratulating India on its 79th Independence Day. He praised India’s transformation over recent decades and expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to his delegation.
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and regional priorities. They reaffirmed plans for collaboration in defence, health, agriculture, agro-processing, trade and investment, small and medium enterprises, co-operatives, culture, sports, education, and skills development.
Key projects and priorities
Discussions included outcomes from the 3rd Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-3), particularly the landmark 100-bed Super Speciality Cardiology Hospital in Suva. Rabuka confirmed that land registration for the project has been completed, paving the way for the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The hospital, he said, will strengthen Fiji’s healthcare sector and serve the wider Pacific region.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s support for the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, aligning it with his “Ocean of Peace” vision to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
He also welcomed India’s continued role as a dialogue partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, noting the importance of alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
At the multilateral level, Rabuka thanked India for its partnership in global forums and emphasised the need for reformed multilateralism to reflect accountability, inclusivity, and equity in addressing global challenges.
New agreements signed
The meeting also featured the signing of five memoranda of understanding and agreements designed to deepen bilateral cooperation:
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Fiji Development Bank (FDB) – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), India: Collaboration on rural development, agricultural financing, and financial inclusion.
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Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – Fiji Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS): Cooperation in the field of standardisation.
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National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), India – Pacific Polytechnic, Fiji: Capacity building, skills training, and upskilling.
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Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF): Strengthening economic and commercial ties.
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HLL Lifecare Ltd., India – Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services: Supply of medicines under India’s Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
Both leaders described the agreements as a step towards building a “broad-based, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership” that will advance the development goals of Fiji and India alike.
