India and Fiji Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Focus on Defence and Terrorism
- MGMMTeam
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
India and Fiji have opened a new chapter in their relationship, marked by a strong emphasis on defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and development partnerships. During high-level talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka finalized a wide-ranging action plan aimed at enhancing security ties while also deepening collaboration in healthcare, education, culture, and climate action. The visit marked a significant moment in India’s outreach to the Pacific Islands under its Act East Policy and the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
Expanding Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation
Defence cooperation emerged as the cornerstone of the dialogue. India committed to supporting Fiji’s maritime security through training, technical assistance, and the provision of equipment. Both countries agreed to accelerate the implementation of the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, with new initiatives such as the establishment of a defence wing in the Indian High Commission in Suva and the posting of a defence attaché to oversee Pacific engagement. An Indian naval ship is also set to make a port call in Fiji, symbolizing a growing maritime partnership.
Maritime security was further reinforced with agreements on white shipping information exchange, joint training in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian and disaster relief, and medical cooperation. India also donated two sea ambulances to strengthen Fiji’s maritime response capacity. Additionally, a Cyber Security Training Cell will be established in Fiji to combat digital threats, further widening the scope of security cooperation.
A United Stand Against Terrorism
The two leaders delivered a strong joint message on terrorism, condemning all forms of extremist violence without exception. They particularly denounced the April Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Both countries pledged to work together to counter radicalization, terror financing, and the misuse of new technologies by extremist groups. Fiji, recognizing India’s global standing, encouraged New Delhi to take a leadership role in coordinating the global fight against terrorism through multilateral platforms such as the United Nations.
Healthcare and Development Cooperation
Beyond security, the summit paved the way for major advancements in health and development. India announced the establishment of a 100-bed super-speciality hospital in Suva, which will become one of the largest Indian-backed health projects in the Pacific. In addition, Fiji will benefit from India’s digital health expertise through the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform and access to affordable generic medicines via Jan Aushadhi pharmacies. India also committed to supporting Fijian patients under the Heal in India initiative, offering access to advanced medical care.
Development cooperation extended to rural and agricultural initiatives, with India donating agricultural drones, soil-testing laboratories, and seeds to enhance Fiji’s farming resilience. A Quick Impact Project to provide groundwater infrastructure in Tubalevu village further demonstrated India’s commitment to grassroots development.
Strengthening Cultural and Educational Ties
The cultural and educational dimensions of the partnership were also highlighted. India will depute a Hindi and Sanskrit teacher to the University of Fiji, strengthening linguistic and cultural exchange. Fiji will participate in India’s International Geeta Mahotsav in 2025, showcasing the deep civilizational links between the two nations. Skill development and training programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative will provide Fijian professionals with opportunities for capacity building in diverse sectors. Even sports were part of the agenda, with India promising to send a cricket coach to train Fijian teams and promote youth engagement.
Economic and Strategic Synergies
The talks also focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities. Fiji granted market access to Indian ghee, while new institutional partnerships were signed between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards, as well as between NABARD and the Fiji Development Bank. These steps aim to enhance quality standards, financial inclusion, and rural development.
On the global stage, Fiji reaffirmed its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council and endorsed India’s candidature for non-permanent membership in 2028–29. Fiji also announced its intention to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, aligning its foreign policy with India’s vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Fiji’s Strategic Position in the Pacific
The visit comes at a time when Fiji is recalibrating its national security posture. Its new National Security Strategy 2025–2029 emphasizes maritime security and resilience while rejecting the establishment of foreign military bases on its soil. This approach aligns closely with India’s philosophy of partnership without strategic coercion, contrasting with competitive geopolitical models in the region. India’s engagement, therefore, not only strengthens Fiji’s sovereignty but also signals its growing influence in Pacific geopolitics.
Conclusion
The India–Fiji partnership is evolving into a multi-dimensional alliance grounded in trust, shared values, and strategic cooperation. From defence and counter-terrorism to healthcare, climate action, culture, and trade, the agreements signed during Prime Minister Rabuka’s visit reflect a broad and ambitious vision. For India, this engagement reinforces its presence in the Pacific Islands, while for Fiji, it provides a reliable partner to enhance national security and development goals. Together, the two nations have signaled their intent to build a secure, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific future.
(Sources: Firstpost, Times of India, Hindustan Times)
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