PM Modi, Fijian PM Rabuka agree on action plan to deepen defence and trade ties
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New Delhi: India and Fiji on Monday unveiled a broad action plan to expand cooperation in defence and security after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka.
Speaking alongside Rabuka, PM Modi said, “India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but our aspirations sail in the same boat.”
He underlined that both nations back a “free, inclusive, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”
Rabuka, who is on a three-day official visit to India — his first since taking office — arrived in New Delhi on Sunday. The visit comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen ties with Pacific island nations amid China’s growing influence in the region.
Following the bilateral discussions, the two countries signed seven agreements to broaden cooperation across various sectors. “We have decided to strengthen mutual cooperation in the defence and security sector,” PM Modi said, noting that an action plan had been prepared. He announced that India would provide training and equipment support to enhance Fiji’s maritime security.
Highlighting Fiji’s importance to India’s maritime security framework, PM Modi also touched upon India’s commitment to the Global South. “India is a co-traveller in the development of the Global South. We are partners in building a world order where the independence, ideas, and identity of the Global South are respected,” he said.
The Prime Minister further acknowledged the severe impact of climate change on Fiji, pledging New Delhi’s support in disaster response and resilience-building efforts.
India’s engagement with Fiji dates back to 1879, when Indian labourers were first taken there under the British indenture system. Today, the partnership is expanding into new areas, with defence, trade, and climate resilience at the core of bilateral ties.