New Delhi: India is set to provide Fiji with 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories.
This announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference alongside visiting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
"During our comprehensive discussions today, we reached several significant agreements. We believe that a nation can only thrive if it is healthy. Consequently, a 100-bed super specialty hospital will be established in Suva. Additionally, dialysis units and sea ambulances will be dispatched. Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be launched to ensure that every household has access to affordable, high-quality medications. To guarantee that no one is hindered in pursuing their aspirations, a 'Jaipur Foot' camp will also be organized in Fiji," PM Modi stated.
"In agriculture, cowpea seeds sent from India are thriving in Fiji’s soil. India will also provide 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories. We commend the Fijian government for approving Indian ghee in Fiji," he continued.
The joint statement released by both nations also highlighted the increasing collaboration between them, particularly in agriculture.
"Prime Minister Modi announced the donation of 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories as part of India’s Grant-in-Aid Programme, aimed at fostering innovation and boosting productivity in Fiji’s sugar industry. To further assist this sector, Prime Minister Modi expressed the intention to send an ITEC expert to the Fiji Sugar Corporation, along with organizing specialized ITEC training programs for professionals in the Fijian sugar sector," it noted.
"The leaders acknowledged the importance of agriculture and food security as vital areas for bilateral collaboration," it added.
Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka expressed gratitude to PM Modi for the provision of 5 MT of high-quality cowpea seeds sent by India to bolster food security and agricultural resilience in Fiji.
Both leaders expressed their approval of the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) designed to strengthen collaboration in essential sectors.
A Memorandum of Understanding was established between the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and India's National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to improve cooperation in rural development, agricultural financing, and financial inclusion.
Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed regarding cooperation in the area of standardization between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Fiji's Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS).
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was formed between the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Pacific Polytechnic, Fiji, focusing on human capacity building, skilling, and upskilling. There was also a Memorandum of Understanding between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) aimed at enhancing economic and commercial relations, along with an agreement between HLL Lifecare Ltd and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of the Republic of Fiji concerning the supply of medicines under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme.
The leaders shared their perspectives on regional and international issues, reaffirming their joint commitment to peace, climate justice, inclusive development, and elevating the voice of the Global South.
PM Rabuka acknowledged India's leadership role within the Global South and expressed gratitude for the valuable mutual support provided in multilateral forums.
