Intro: Charan Jeath Singh discussed expanding cooperation with Fiji Coconut Millers on coconut and coir development.
Suva
India and Fiji on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation in affordable housing, sustainable urban development, waste management and local governance during high-level discussions in Suva.
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, met Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, to explore new avenues for collaboration aimed at strengthening the long-standing development partnership between the two countries.
According to the Indian High Commission in Fiji, the discussions focused on promoting affordable social housing, improving urban infrastructure, advancing sustainable waste management practices and enhancing local governance through greater cooperation.
In a separate meeting, High Commissioner Mehta also called on Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, to discuss expanding cooperation with Fiji Coconut Millers in coconut and coir development. Both sides also reviewed opportunities to deepen the broader India–Fiji development partnership.
The meetings follow talks earlier this week between Mehta and Fiji’s Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna, during which the two sides explored collaboration in agriculture and agricultural technology to boost productivity and innovation.
India also continued its cultural outreach in Fiji by distributing books to students at the Pacific Nations School in Suva through the High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. The initiative aims to promote reading, education and cultural exchange while reinforcing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
India and Fiji share close historical ties dating back to 1879, when Indian indentured labourers were brought to Fiji to work on sugar plantations. The relationship is anchored in strong people-to-people connections, shared democratic values and development cooperation. India has consistently supported Fiji’s nation-building efforts through capacity-building programmes, technical assistance and cooperation across sectors including agriculture, education, infrastructure and sustainable development.
Key Meeting points
- Mehta met housing minister Nalumisa.
- Discussions covered affordable social housing.
- Topics included sustainable waste management practices.
- Mehta met multi-ethnic affairs minister Singh.
- Talks involved coconut and coir development.
- Mehta met agriculture minister Tunabuna.
- Focus was boosting agricultural technology innovation.
BOX
India and Fiji deepen cultural ties
India and Fiji share enduring historical bonds dating back to 1879. Recently, India advanced its cultural outreach by distributing books to students in Suva, reinforcing bilateral friendships through continuous education, capacity-building programmes, and strong development cooperation.
