OPINION PM Modi's outreach to Fiji: A Boost to India's Interest in Indo-Pacific region

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India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but our aspirations sail in the same boat, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a joint press conference with visiting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Sending a clear message to both the people of Fiji and the western world, Modi stressed that India and Fiji are co-travellers on the path of development of the Global South. “We are partners in building a world order where the Global South’s independence, ideas, and identity are respected,” he said. Modi underlined India’s firm belief that no voices should be ignored and no nation should be left behind.

Fiji, an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, comprises more than 330 islands, about 110 of which are permanently inhabited. Recognising its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific, Modi has, since 2014, sought to deepen India’s role as a development partner for Fiji. New Delhi has extended assistance in healthcare, agriculture, education, capacity building, climate resilience, and infrastructure. Both leaders also agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation, with an action plan already in place. Modi announced that India will provide training and equipment to boost Fiji’s maritime security.

Trade ties are also expanding. India’s exports to Fiji touched USD 84.7 million in 2024–25, comprising mineral fuels, manufactured goods, machinery, transport equipment, and food items. In return, India imports mineral water, sugar, crude materials, and fish. Indian PSUs active in Fiji include LIC, New India Assurance, Bank of Baroda, WAPCOS, and Power Grid. The two sides signed an MoU on bilateral defence cooperation in 2017, with engagement largely focused on training and capacity building. The inaugural Defence Joint Working Group met in July 2025, while INS Satpura made a port call to Suva in 2022. Fiji is also a founding member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and joined the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) in 2024.

India-Fiji Historial and Cultural Ties

India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties. India’s links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian laborers were brought in Fiji under indenture system to work on sugar-cane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916 around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. Strong India-Fiji cultural ties are supported through Indian festivals, yoga, language, and cultural programs. Indian Bollywood movies like Table No. 21, 3G were shot in Fiji. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Fiji is the first SVCC established abroad, functioning since 1972 as a key institution for promoting Indian culture. Multiple Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardees are from Fiji, recognizing their role in community service and heritage preservation. Swami Sanyuktanand was this year’s recipient from Fiji. Tamil language classes launched in Labasa and Rakiraki in November 2024. Yoga centres established in Labasa (09 Nov 2024) and Seaqaqa (11 May 2025)

High Level  bilateral visits with Fiji

In Nov 2014, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited Fiji for 1st FIPIC Summit. The bilateral relationship received a major boost after this visit. in May 2023, Fijian Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka participated in FIPIC-III Summit in Papua New Guinea. He met PM Narendra Modi and conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji (highest civilian honour. In Aug 2024 President of India, Droupadi Murmu visited Fiji undertook the first-ever visit by Indian Head of State to Fiji and was conferred the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the nation’s highest civilian honour. In Feb 2023, External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Fiji for the 12th World Hindi Conference. In May 2025, MoS, Pabitra Margheria, visited Fiji to attend Girmit Day Celebrations as a Guest of Honour.

India playing a great role in the Development Cooperation with Fiji

During the FIPIC-III Summit held in Port Moresby in May 2023, PM Shri Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a 100-bedded Super Specialty Hospital in Fiji under India’s Grant-in-Aid program. This hospital will be equipped with trained professionals and staff, modern facilities. Fiji being the reginal hub, the hospital will serve as a lifeline for the entire Pacific region. A 12-acre land parcel for the hospital project has been allotted for the hospital by the Fijian Government in Suva. Jan Aushadhi Kendra's will be opened to ensure that Fiji people get cheap and quality medicines.   In August 2025, India donated five metric tonnes of cowpea seeds to support Fiji’s agricultural sector and enhance food security. In November 2022, India organised a Jaipur Foot Camp in Fiji, providing free prosthetic limbs to persons with disabilities.

On 21 December 2023, India implemented a Solarisation Project for the official residences of Pacific leaders, including the Fijian State House, to promote clean energy and sustainability.  India established the Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (MGCEIT) in Fiji to strengthen digital skills and IT capacity building. The sustainable Coastal & Ocean Research Institute (SCORI) was set up at the University of the South Pacific in Suva to advance marine research and promote sustainable use of ocean resources. India has also provided mobile soil testing vehicles to Fiji to assist farmers in improving crop productivity.  In 2018, India donated indelible ink to support the smooth conduct of Fiji’s general elections.