Both leaders signed multiple agreements spanning defence, health, trade, agriculture, education, rural development, technology, and skill-building
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, highlighting India’s growing engagement with Pacific Island nations. The talks were held under the framework of the Act East Policy and the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
Both leaders signed several agreements covering defence, health, agriculture, trade, rural development, education, skill-building, and technology. Modi announced India’s support for building a 100-bed super specialty hospital in Suva, along with dialysis units, sea ambulances, and Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide low-cost generic medicines. He also pledged to organise a Jaipur Foot camp in Fiji, ensuring mobility for those in need.
A landmark MoU between India’s NABARD and the Fiji Development Bank will boost rural financing and agricultural growth. Other agreements included cooperation in standardisation, human resource development, medicine supply, and industry partnerships. Modi also welcomed the signing of the first Quick Impact Project in Fiji—a clean drinking water initiative for Tuba Levu Village.
On defence, both sides reaffirmed their 2017 agreement and welcomed outcomes from the inaugural Joint Working Group. Areas of cooperation include UN peacekeeping, military medicine, white shipping information exchange, and capacity building. Rabuka acknowledged India’s role in safeguarding Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone and welcomed an upcoming visit by an Indian naval ship.
The leaders strongly condemned terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. They pledged joint efforts against radicalisation, terror financing, and misuse of emerging technologies by extremist groups.
