Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka paid his first official visit to India from August 24 to 26 2025. Accompanied by his wife and high level delegation, including the Health Minister Hon’ble Mr. Antonio Lalabalavu, and senior officials of the Government of the Republic of Fiji, the visit focused on fostering and sustaining constructive diplomatic relations between both countries. Hosted by PM Narendra Modi, the visit included high-level delegation talks and agreements covering defence, healthcare, maritime cooperation, education, climate, and trade.
President Droupadi Murmu welcomed PM Rabuka at her residence, emphasising the symbolic importance of the visit. Post that, PM Rabuka delivered a lecture titled ‘Ocean of Peace’, at the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi, which focused on regional stability, India- Pacific ties, and the significance of maritime cooperation. He also visited Rajghat, UIDAI headquarters, the National Defence College, and a Jan Aushadi Kendra.
The key element of the visit was the comprehensive action plan that took place between India and Fiji which aimed at boosting defence cooperation. The countries have signed multiple agreements emphasising regional stability, maritime security, and mutual efforts in combating terrorism, which has led to a new chapter in the strategic partnership.
PM Rabuka’s visit to India resulted in the signing of various Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) aimed at strengthening Fiji’s economic and infrastructural development. Key outcomes included India’s support to Fiji for the construction of a super-speciality hospital in the latter, and the supply of affordable and easily accessible Jan Aushadi generic medicines for its citizens to improve healthcare facilities. Trade cooperation was also formalised between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Fiji’s Department of National Trade Measurements and Standards (DNTMS) to enhance the trade quality and measurement frameworks. Agreements on migration and mobility were also reached, alongside the lease deed handover for India’s new chancery building in Suva. In the economic sector, collaboration was enhanced through pacts between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF), as well as between NABARD and the Fiji Development Bank, signalling a holistic approach to health, education, trade, and capacity building.
The India-Fiji Joint Statement, “Partnership in the spirit of Veilomani Dosti,” led to the development of a blueprint focusing on cooperation across health, agriculture, trade, education, SME development, culture, sports, and skill building. Both leaders have also pledged to support multilateral collaboration to raise issues of the Global South jointly at international forums.
PM Rabuka’s visit to India has paved the path for future collaboration between Fiji and India, signalling not just deepened bilateral programming across development and strategic sectors, but also India’s expanding outreach within the Pacific region.
