Strengthening a Historic Partnership
President Murmu warmly welcomed Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation, recalling her state visit to Fiji in August 2024 and the traditional welcome accorded by indigenous leaders. She also reflected on her interactions with the Indian-origin community in Fiji, noting their crucial role in shaping the island nation’s multicultural identity and economy.
Highlighting the contributions of the Girmitiya community, the President underlined how people-to-people ties continue to serve as the foundation of the India-Fiji relationship. Both leaders agreed that these bonds remain vital to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.
A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a super-speciality hospital in Fiji. This agreement marks a milestone in bilateral healthcare cooperation and aligns with Fiji’s priorities of improving medical infrastructure and services. The initiative is expected to benefit not only Fijians but also the broader Pacific Island region.
President Murmu emphasized that India takes pride in being a partner in Fiji’s socio-economic development, particularly in areas such as health, climate resilience, and training. She assured Prime Minister Rabuka of India’s continued commitment to support Fiji’s development journey.
Digital and Capacity Building Initiatives
Another important focus of the discussions was capacity building. President Murmu reiterated that Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes will continue to provide training opportunities for Fijian officials in Indian institutions.
She also highlighted India’s success in digital innovation, particularly in financial inclusion through initiatives such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Jan Dhan Yojana, and Aadhaar. India expressed its readiness to share its digital experiences with Fiji to promote inclusive growth and modernization.
Boosting India-Pacific Engagement
The President noted that India attaches special importance to strengthening relations with Pacific Island Countries (PICs), with Fiji being a key partner in this initiative. She welcomed Fiji’s active role in advancing bilateral engagement and acknowledged the positive momentum in recent interactions.
Both leaders expressed confidence that Prime Minister Rabuka’s visit would serve as a catalyst for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors. The discussions emphasized shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for the people of both nations.