PM Modi meets Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka in Delhi: Leaders hold delegation-level talks; cooperation announced in health, defence and climate | India News
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka at Hyderabad House and held delegation-level talks focused on expanding the India-Fiji partnership. The two leaders announced new initiatives in healthcare, defence, climate cooperation and cultural ties during Rabuka’s first official visit to India in his current capacity.The ministry of external affairs (MEA), in a post on X, said, “Welcoming an important Global South and FIPIC partner. PM Narendra Modi received PM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji at Hyderabad House for delegation-level talks.”Rabuka, accompanied by his spouse Sulueti Rabuka and a high-level delegation including Fiji’s Health and Medical Services minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a four-day visit that will conclude on August 26.
Focus on climate and renewable energy
Speaking at a joint press briefing, PM Modi said India and Fiji are working together to address climate challenges. “Climate change is a critical threat for Fiji. In this context, we are working together on renewable energy, especially solar energy. We are together in the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuels Alliance. Now we will also assist in enhancing Fiji’s capabilities in disaster response,” he said.
Defence, maritime security and counterterrorism cooperation
The prime minister also announced that both nations had prepared an action plan to enhance defence and security cooperation. “We have decided to strengthen mutual cooperation in the defence and security sector. An action plan has been prepared for this. To empower Fiji’s maritime security, India will provide cooperation in training and equipment. India and Fiji are ready to share our experience in the fields of cybersecurity and data protection. We agree that terrorism is a huge challenge for all of humanity,” PM Modi said.
Major healthcare initiatives announced
PM Modi unveiled a series of healthcare measures for Fiji, including a hospital project and medical support. “In today’s meeting, we took many important decisions. We believe that a healthy nation can only be a prosperous nation. We have decided that a 100-bed super speciality hospital will be constructed in Suva, Fiji. Dialysis units and sea ambulances will be sent to Fiji, and Jan Aushadhi centers will be opened there, so that affordable and high-quality medicines reach every home. A Jaipur foot camp will also be organised in Suva,” Modi said.
A tribute to shared history
The Indian prime minister also congratulated Rabuka on Fiji’s decision to mark Girmit Day. “I congratulate Prime Minister Ramaphosa on the announcement of ‘Girmit Day’. This is a tribute to our shared history. It is a homage to the memories of our previous generations,” he said.
Strengthening FIPIC and Pacific outreach
Recalling his own 2014 visit to Fiji, Modi underlined India’s commitment to the Pacific region. “After 33 years, in 2014, an Indian PM visited Fiji. I am very happy and proud that it was my good fortune. At the time, we formed Foreign For India Pacific Island Cooperation – FIPIC. This initiative not only strengthened India-Fiji relations but also our relation with the entire Pacific region. With this visit of PM Rabuka, we are adding a new chapter in our relations,” he said.
Rabuka’s engagements in Delhi
Earlier in the day, Rabuka paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat by laying a wreath and offering flowers. He is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu during his visit, with Modi also hosting a lunch in his honour.The MEA also confirmed that Rabuka will deliver a lecture titled “Ocean of Peace” at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in the capital.
Pre-visit interactions
On Sunday, Union health minister JP Nadda met with Rabuka as part of the BJP’s Know BJP initiative. Rabuka was accompanied by Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and other senior officials.In a post on X, Nadda said, “Met with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, in New Delhi today as part of our ‘Know BJP’ initiative. Our discussions focused on strengthening party-to-party relations, where I highlighted our party’s ideology, organizational framework, and its role in driving India’s development journey. We also had a detailed discussion on enhancing cooperation in the healthcare sector. Looking forward to deepening our partnership for the mutual benefit of both nations.”Rabuka was received on arrival by Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the Northeastern Region Sukanta Majumdar.
Recent consultations and high-level exchanges
Rabuka’s visit comes weeks after India and Fiji held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Suva in July 2025. Led by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) from the MEA, and Raijeli Taga, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the talks covered cooperation in health, education, trade, agriculture, renewable energy, climate change and culture.The next round of consultations will be held in New Delhi in 2026.Rabuka’s visit also follows President Droupadi Murmu’s trip to Fiji in August 2024, where she addressed the Fijian Parliament and highlighted “close ties” and “shared values” between the two countries.According to the MEA, Rabuka’s 2025 visit “underscores the long-standing and enduring ties between India and Fiji. It reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties.”
