India Emerges as Voice of the Global South: Fiji PM Rabuka Backs Modi’s Leadership

On his first official visit to India since taking office, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global vision, calling India the emerging “voice of the Global South.” Speaking alongside Modiji in New Delhi, Rabuka noted that under Modiji’s leadership, India has consistently highlighted the concerns of developing countries, ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no nation is left behind.

This recognition reflects India’s efforts through the Voice of Global South Summits and the DAKSHIN Global South Centre of Excellence, which bring together nations facing common developmental challenges. Modiji has repeatedly emphasized that countries of the Global South must cooperate to shape global governance rather than remain passive spectators of decisions taken by major powers.

Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka | Firstpost

Strengthening India–Fiji Ties

Rabuka’s visit was marked by the signing of several agreements that deepen the partnership between India and Fiji across a wide range of sectors. During delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, both leaders outlined a new roadmap of cooperation focused on healthcare, defence, agriculture, technology, and cultural exchanges.

One of the most notable announcements was India’s plan to build a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, which will be the largest Indian grant-aid project in the Pacific. The two sides also discussed initiatives such as Jaipur Foot camps, affordable Jan Aushadhi Kendras for medicines, and medical referral programs under the “Heal in India” scheme. Modiji stressed that such projects demonstrate India’s commitment to people-centric development beyond its own borders.

Expanding Defence and Security Cooperation

Another major highlight of the visit was the strengthening of defence cooperation. Both nations signed a comprehensive action plan covering military medicine, cyber security, and maritime security. India pledged to expand naval interactions, provide sea ambulances, and establish a defence attaché in Suva, reinforcing its long-term security partnership with Fiji.

This collaboration also aligns with India’s larger Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to promote a free, open, and peaceful oceanic region. Modiji extended an invitation for Fiji to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, further strengthening ties in the maritime domain.

Agricultural and Technological Partnerships

Agriculture, a lifeline for Fiji’s economy, also featured prominently in the discussions. India has provided high-quality cowpea seeds that are already being cultivated successfully in Fijian soil. To boost modern farming practices, India is supplying drones for crop management and mobile labs for soil testing. Such initiatives aim to enhance Fiji’s agricultural resilience while deepening India’s role as a trusted development partner in the Pacific.

Cultural and People-to-People Diplomacy

The cultural bond between India and Fiji continues to grow. During the visit, an agreement was reached to facilitate student and professional exchanges through a Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility. India also announced plans to deputize a Hindi–Sanskrit teacher to the University of Fiji and assist in training Hindu priests for the International Geeta Mahotsav in 2025. These steps reflect the strong historical and cultural links shaped by Fiji’s large Indian-origin community.

Fiji’s Support for India in Global Platforms

Prime Minister Rabuka not only acknowledged India’s leadership in the Global South but also extended Fiji’s support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council. Fiji also endorsed India’s candidacy for a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2028–29, affirming its faith in India’s ability to represent the interests of smaller nations at global forums.

Rabuka also offered symbolic political backing amid rising international trade tensions. Referring to recent U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, he remarked, “Somebody’s not very happy with you, but you are big enough to weather those discomforts,” signaling Fiji’s confidence in India’s economic resilience.

Fiji’s Broader Foreign Policy Vision

Rabuka’s endorsement of India’s leadership comes as Fiji itself navigates a new phase in its foreign policy. Since returning to power in 2022, Rabuka has sought to reduce Fiji’s overreliance on Chinese security ties while strengthening cooperation with traditional partners like India, Australia, and the United States. His government has also set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address Fiji’s history of coups, underscoring a broader commitment to democratic values and regional stability.

Conclusion: A Shared Journey of Aspirations

Prime Minister Rabuka’s visit has reinforced India’s image as a trusted partner for Pacific Island nations. Under Modiji’s leadership, India is not merely building bilateral ties but also shaping a new identity as the collective voice of the Global South. The wide-ranging agreements with Fiji—from healthcare and agriculture to defence and cultural exchange—demonstrate that India’s diplomacy is increasingly guided by inclusivity, development, and mutual respect.

As Rabuka eloquently put it, India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but their aspirations sail in the same boat. This shared journey reflects not just a partnership between two nations but also a broader movement towards a more balanced, inclusive, and equitable global order.

(Sources: Firstpost, Moneycontrol, Times of India)