New Delhi: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the strong friendship between India and Fiji, stating that the ambitions of both nations "sail in the same boat."
After Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his country's interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), PM Modi welcomed the South Pacific nation to participate in the partnership that India launched in 2019 with like-minded countries aimed at managing, conserving, and sustaining the maritime domain.
"We view Fiji as a central hub for cooperation with Pacific Island nations. We both advocate for a free, open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister's concept of 'Oceans of Peace' is a very encouraging idea. We invite Fiji to join India's Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative," PM Modi remarked.
During a joint press conference after his discussions with Rabuka in the national capital, PM Modi stated, "India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but our aspirations sail in the same boat."
PM Rabuka emphasized the idea of the 'Ocean of Peace,' which focuses on creating a peaceful, stable, secure, and sustainable future for the Pacific Region. Prime Minister Modi praised PM Rabuka for his leadership in promoting the 'Ocean of Peace' in the Pacific Region.
Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged Fiji's active involvement in the Voice of Global South Summits and expressed gratitude to Rabuka for his participation in the Leaders' Session of the Summit.
"We are also fellow travelers on the development journey of the Global South. We are partners in establishing a world order that respects the independence, ideas, and identity of the Global South. We believe that no voice should be overlooked, and no nation should be left behind," PM Modi stated.
Both leaders expressed their appreciation for Fiji's ongoing collaboration with the Global South Centre of Excellence, DAKSHIN, in seeking innovative development solutions based on the collective experiences of Global South nations.
PM Modi reminisced about his trip to Fiji in 2014, noting that it marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Fiji in 33 years. His visit also initiated the action-oriented Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
"In 2014, after a gap of 33 years, an Indian Prime Minister visited Fijian territory. I feel very fortunate and proud to have had that opportunity. At that time, we launched the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation, known as FIPIC. This initiative has not only strengthened India-Fiji relations but has also enhanced our ties with the entire Pacific region. Today, with Prime Minister Rambukaji's visit, we are writing a new chapter in our bilateral relations," PM Modi remarked.
"FIPIC has not only bolstered India-Fiji connections but has also revitalized relationships across the Pacific region," he added.
The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is an integral part of India's diverse engagement in the Pacific.
Reflecting on the results of the 3rd FIPIC Summit held in May 2023, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's dedication to fostering development partnerships in the region through comprehensive initiatives that prioritize Fiji's needs.
Emphasizing healthcare as a crucial focus area, both leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the design, construction, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of a 100-bedded Super Specialty Hospital in Suva, which represents the largest project undertaken by India under its Grant-in-Aid Programme in the Pacific Region.
During our comprehensive discussions today, we made several significant decisions. We are convinced that a nation can only thrive if it is healthy. Consequently, we have resolved to construct a 100-bed super specialty hospital in 'Suva'. Dialysis units and sea ambulances will be dispatched. Additionally, Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be established to ensure that affordable and high-quality medicines are accessible to every household. We aspire for no one to falter in their pursuit of dreams; therefore, a 'Jaipur Foot' camp will also be organized in Fiji," PM Modi stated.
Moreover, PM Modi mentioned that in agriculture, Cowpea, or Lobia seeds sent from India, are thriving in Fijian soil. "India will also provide 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories. We commend the Fijian government for permitting Indian ghee in Fiji," PM Modi remarked.
PM Modi expressed that the visit of the Fiji PM signifies a new era in India-Fiji relations and praised PM Rabuka for declaring 'Girmit Day', stating, "This honors our shared history."
He emphasized that over 60,000 Indians migrated to Fiji in the nineteenth century as 'Girmitiyas', who have since made substantial contributions to Fiji's growth and development, enriching its culture and reinforcing its unity while maintaining connections to their heritage.
PM Modi pointed out the Ramayana tradition in Fiji as a vivid illustration of this.
PM Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, initiating his official visit to India, which will last until August 26. This marks his inaugural visit to India as the Prime Minister of Fiji.
The purpose of the visit is to enhance India-Fiji relations across various sectors, including strategic partnerships and people-to-people interactions. Prime Minister Modi is also set to host a luncheon for the visiting prime minister.
