Aug 29, 2025
10
mins read
India and Fiji have recently taken steps to deepen their partnership. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka paid a three-day official visit to India from 24–26 August 2025 – his first visit as PM. During this visit, both countries unveiled new initiatives to bolster defence and maritime security cooperation (including creating a Defence Attaché post in Suva) as part of a growing momentum in ties aimed at peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This high-level engagement underscores the increasing strategic importance both nations place on their relationship.
Recent high‑level developments mark a significant deepening of India‑Fiji ties:
On August 25, 2025, Prime Ministers Modi and Rabuka held delegation‑level talks and signed agreements in healthcare, defence, climate cooperation, maritime security, and cultural ties, launching a "new chapter" in bilateral relations.
Fiji PM Rabuka publicly supported India amid U.S. 50% tariffs on Indian goods, praising PM Modi’s resilience.
The visit signals a strengthened partnership across sectors, aligning with a broader Indo‑Pacific engagement strategy.
Table of content
Girmitiya roots (1879–1916): Under British rule, indentured Indian labourers were transported to Fiji to work on sugar plantations; about 60,553 Indians arrived between 1879 and 1916, creating the Indo‑Fijian community and durable cultural–linguistic ties (Hindi/Fiji Hindi, festivals, associations).
Early diplomatic footprint (1948–1970): India opened a Commissioner’s office in Suva in 1948 to look after people of Indian origin and bilateral matters; this presence anchored support for community welfare, education, and cultural linkages in the lead‑up to Fiji’s independence.
Independence and upgrades (since 1970): On Fiji’s independence (1970), India upgraded to a High Commission; subsequent high‑level visits (e.g., 1971 Fiji PM to India; 1981 Indian PM to Fiji) and, later, the launch of FIPIC in 2014 placed Fiji at the centre of India’s Pacific outreach, consolidating people‑to‑people ties into a broader development and strategic partnership.
Fiji is a country and archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean & part of Pacific Island Countries (PICs), located north of Auckland, New Zealand, comprising over 300 islands, of which around 100 are inhabited.
Known as the “soft coral capital of the world,” it has over 4,000 sq km of coral reefs.
Historically, sugarcane has been a major economic driver.
Fiji is a parliamentary democracy with a diverse population of Indigenous Fijians, Indians, Europeans, and other communities, and is home to the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
India–Fiji relations are characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties. India was one of the first countries to establish formal diplomatic relations with Fiji, and it views Fiji as a key partner in the Pacific region.
A watershed moment in modern relations came in November 2014, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Fiji – the first visit by an Indian PM in 33 years – and launched the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) during a summit in Suva. This reinvigorated India’s engagement with not only Fiji but all Pacific Island countries.
Over the years, India has become a major development partner for Fiji, supporting nation-building efforts in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy. Regular high-level exchanges (including Fiji’s leaders visiting India and vice-versa) have further cemented the friendship.
FIPIC is a multilateral forum that brings together India and 14 Pacific Island Countries to enhance cooperation.
It was launched in 2014, when India hosted the inaugural FIPIC Summit in Suva, Fiji - a historic meeting where all 14 Pacific Island nations participated.
This initiative marked India’s renewed focus on the Pacific region. Since then, summits have been held to advance collaborative projects: for instance, at the 3rd FIPIC Summit in May 2023 (hosted by Papua New Guinea), India announced a 12-point action plan for the Pacific-covering healthcare, cyber security, climate change, and solar energy-and Fiji awarded PM Modi its highest honor, the Companion of the Order of Fiji, in recognition of India’s support.
FIPIC has thus become an important platform for India-Fiji engagement, complementing bilateral efforts with a regional approach.
In recent years, India and Fiji have identified new domains of collaboration to keep pace with changing global priorities:
Clean Energy (Biofuels Alliance): Fiji joined the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) – an initiative championed by India to promote sustainable biofuel use, as members of GBA, India and Fiji work together on developing biofuels as an alternative energy source to enhance energy security and combat climate change.
Digital Transformation: In 2024, India and Fiji signed an MoU to cooperate on digital public infrastructure. Under this partnership, India will share its expertise in population-scale digital solutions (such as digital ID, fintech, e-governance platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, etc.) to help Fiji modernize its digital services and improve connectivity.
Pharmaceuticals and Health: Fiji agreed in 2025 to recognize the Indian Pharmacopoeia (India’s pharmaceutical standards). This regulatory cooperation paves the way for establishing Jan Aushadhi stores (affordable generic medicine pharmacies) in Fiji, improving access to cheap, quality medicines.
For more information on Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) check our blog : Global Biofuels Alliance
Defence & Security
Strengthening Defence MoU (2017):
Focus on UN peacekeeping, military medicine, and maritime security.
New Defence Wing:
Establishment of a Defence Attaché at the Indian High Commission in Suva.
Covers defence liaison with other Pacific Island nations.
Cyber Security Cooperation:
India to set up a Cyber Security Training Cell in Fiji.
Maritime Security:
Commitment to Indian Navy ship visits to Fiji.
Support for Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrols.
Immediate Assistance:
India gifted two ambulances to Fiji’s Military Forces.
Healthcare & Development
Major Health Project:
India to build a 100-bed Super-Specialty Hospital in Suva – the largest Indian grant project in the Pacific.
Affordable Medicines:
Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Fiji.
Telemedicine Integration:
Linkage of India’s e-Sanjeevani platform with Fiji’s healthcare system.
Advanced Treatments:
“Heal in India” program – up to 10 Fijian patients annually to receive free advanced care in India.
Disability Support:
Second Jaipur Foot Camp for prosthetic limb assistance.
Clean Water Access:
Launch of Tubalevu Village Ground Water Supply Project under Quick Impact Projects.
Trade, Economy & Agriculture
Institutional MoUs Signed:
Fiji Development Bank – NABARD.
DNTMS – Bureau of Indian Standards.
Pacific Polytechnic – NIELIT (India).
Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation – CII (India).
Market Access:
Fiji allowed import of Indian dairy products (ghee) for the first time.
Agricultural Cooperation:
India gifted 12 agricultural drones for crop monitoring.
Donated 2 mobile soil-testing labs to boost soil productivity.
ITEC expert to be deputed at Fiji Sugar Corporation.
Supply of 5 metric tonnes of cowpea seeds (climate-resilient, protein-rich crop).
Climate & Energy
Shared Vision:
Collaboration under India’s Mission LiFE and Fiji’s Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy.
Global Alliances:
Joint work in ISA (International Solar Alliance), CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), and GBA (Global Biofuels Alliance).
Solar Cooperation:
Establishment of a Solar Technology Application & Research (STAR) Centre at Fiji National University.
Climate Resilience:
Cooperation on disaster preparedness, renewable energy expansion, and coastal protection.
Culture, Education & People-to-People Ties
Migration & Mobility Declaration:
Easier movement of professionals, students, and workers.
Language & Education:
Posting of Hindi and Sanskrit teacher at University of Fiji.
Religious & Cultural Exchange:
Training program in India for Fijian pundits.
Joint celebration of International Gita Mahotsav (2025) in Fiji.
High-Level Exchanges:
Planned Fijian Parliamentary delegation visit to India.
India to participate in Fiji’s revived Great Council of Chiefs in 2026.
Diplomatic Presence:
Land exchange for chancery buildings in Suva and New Delhi.
Regional & Global Cooperation
Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):
Fiji joined India’s IPOI for maritime security, ocean governance, and blue economy.
Counter-Terrorism:
Joint commitment to zero tolerance on terrorism and rejection of double standards.
UN & Global South:
Fiji endorsed India’s UNSC permanent membership bid.
Supported India’s candidacy for non-permanent UNSC seat (2028–29).
Voice of the Global South:
Fiji praised India’s leadership and expressed interest in the DAKSHIN Centre of Excellence.
Diplomatic Statement
Both sides issued the joint statement:
“Partnership in the Spirit of Veilomani Dosti”
Veilomani = “to love one another” (Fijian).
Dosti = “friendship” (Hindi).
Symbolizes a commitment to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for India, Fiji, and the wider Indo-Pacific.
Q. What was the significance of Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka’s 2025 visit to India?
A.The visit expanded cooperation in defence, healthcare, trade, climate, and culture, marking a strategic upgrade in India–Fiji partnership and strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific outreach.
Q. How does FIPIC strengthen India’s role in the Pacific Islands, including Fiji?
A.FIPIC allows India to engage collectively with Pacific nations, advancing climate action, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and soft power diplomacy, crucial for maintaining balance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Q. What role does the Indian diaspora play in shaping India–Fiji relations?
A.The Indo-Fijian community (over 30% of Fiji’s population) preserves cultural bonds, promotes Hindi language, and acts as a bridge that strengthens bilateral and people-to-people ties.
India–Fiji relations in 2025 represent a strategic blend of historical bonds and forward-looking cooperation. Rooted in the shared Girmitiya heritage and cultural ties, the partnership has expanded into defence, healthcare, trade, agriculture, climate resilience, and digital innovation. Fiji’s active participation in initiatives like FIPIC, ISA, CDRI, and IPOI highlights its role in India’s Indo-Pacific outreach. The August 2025 visit of PM Sitiveni Rabuka further elevated ties with concrete outcomes, reinforcing both developmental diplomacy and strategic alignment. Moving forward, the “Veilomani Dosti” spirit will guide the partnership towards deeper collaboration, regional stability, and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
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External Linking Suggestions
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