On Monday, in Suva, India, and Fiji held the fifth round of foreign office Consultations (FOC)
Where both sides reviewed the entire extent of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen the close ties. Saurabh Kumar, secretary (east) was presenting the Indian side, where Fiji was led by Yogesh Karan, Permanent Secretary in the office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Fiji.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations covering political, economic, defense, cultural and consular matters and discussed ways to further strengthen the close bilateral ties between India and Fiji. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of interest and agreed to enhance their cooperation in multilateral opportunities.
During the visit, Secretary (East) also called on the Prime minister of Fiji Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, and senior member of the Fijian Cabinet. Both sides confirmed their strong commitment to further strengthen the bilateral friendship and the development partnership between India and Fiji. It was agreed that another round of consultations will be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
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Earlier, Prime minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s contribution to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by a supply of life-saving drugs, medical supplies, and vaccines to Fiji and other countries around the world. Prime Minister had also said that “despite the existence of a vast ocean in between, the two countries are closely bonded together by culture and strong people-people ties.” PM also expressed the hope that with the cooperation of the Fijian side, the relationship will become even stronger in the times to come.
India – Fiji Relations
Fiji, in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is an archipelago of 332 islands of which around one-third are inhabited permanently. The total land area is 18,333 square km. English, Fijian, and Hindi are widely spoken. Main ethnic groups include Fijian, Indian, European, other Pacific Islanders, and Chinese.
India’s links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian laborers were brought here under the indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916 around 60,000 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning in the early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. Agitation by the workers and the reports of C.F. Andrews, who visited Fiji in 1915 and 1917, led to the abolition of the indenture system in 1920. Currently, of the 849,000 population (2009 estimates), 37% are people of Indian origin.
In the past, GOI provided funds for 05 cars for Fiji Police; 500 sewing Machines; 05 Ambulances for hospitals; 134 Water Tanks for primary and higher secondary schools; Mobile Library Vehicle for Suva City Carnegie Mobile Library; 4×4 Double Cab for Rarawai & Penang Cane Producers’ Association; Up-gradation of a road in Kieuva near Suva; Equipment & books for TISI Sangam College of Nursing & Health Care Education in Labasa; A total of US$ 100,000/- in February 2009 after Cyclone Tomas in March 2010.
According to the MEA, Pacific Island countries (PICs) are part of India’s engagement with the east. Under the Act of east policy, by the PM at the first Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit that was held in Suva, Fiji in November 2014. During this visit to Fiji PM Modi signed three MOUs:
- MoU for Extending a US$ 70mn Line of Credit for Establishing a Co-Generation Plant in Fiji (which now has been restructured to US$45 for a revival of three sugar factories and US$ 25mn for Upgradation of Fijian rail-link on Fijian request, However, the LoC could not be made effective as FSC did not submit the documents for making the LoC Agreement effective. In view of this, the LOC has been annulled by GOI.
- MoU on Cooperation in the field of training of diplomats, and
- MoU on the Earmarking of Land for their Diplomatic Missions in the respective Capitals.
The First Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC-I) was held in Fiji during the visit with the participation of 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The second summit FIPIC- II was held in Jaipur on 21 August 2015. It was led by Fiji PM Bainimarama.
India also has ISRO’s satellite tracking and intelligence station in Fiji and India and Fiji continue to strengthen their relations.
