Fiji and India traditionally share cordial relations which are based on the strong foundation of historical and cultural heritage.
For over 52 years, the longstanding relationship between the two countries further demonstrates mutual understanding and respect for each other’s sovereignty, common development, and shared prosperity.
This was conveyed by the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama during a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister for External Affairs, Honourable Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, along the margins of the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Bali, Indonesia.
Prime Minister Bainimarama said that India’s friendship with Fiji has been consistent, reliable, and most importantly, respectful of our sovereignty.
While updating the Minister about Fiji’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, the Prime Minister thanked India for its great assistance through the provision of vaccines, personal protective equipment, and medical supplies.
The Government of India earlier announced a grant of USD 1 million for COVID response in the Pacific Island Countries under the India UN Development Partnerships Funds.
Fiji welcomes further cooperation with India, particularly in the health sector.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the completion of his eight years in office, adding his exemplary leadership skills have indeed raised India’s international profile and reaffirmed its status as a genuine development partner.
Another important prospect of the meeting focused on the World Hindi Conference, an international event that brings together several Hindi scholars and writers from different parts of the world who contribute to the language.
The Prime Minister proposed at the meeting that Fiji is willing to host the conference in the first quarter of next year.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on Fiji’s sugar industry, which has been significantly assisted by the Government of India over the years through the deployment of experts under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the recent funding assistance to Fiji to procure agriculture equipment.
Prime Minister Bainimarama reiterated that Fiji looks forward to our continued collaboration, for deeper and meaningful engagements as we look to the future.
Meanwhile, Minister Jaishankar highlighted that India remains committed to supporting Fiji in times of need with the aim to restore livelihoods and sustain the economy.
