New Delhi [India], August 25 (ANI): Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital on Monday.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart addressed a joint press conference following their bilateral talks in New Delhi. PM Modi highlighted the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations, stating that the aspirations of India and Fiji “sail in the same boat.”
During the discussions, both countries made several significant announcements, including the establishment of a hospital in Fiji, training opportunities for Fijian cricketers and priests, India’s decision to send Hindi and Sanskrit teachers to Fiji, and the provision of agricultural drones.
A joint statement issued after the meeting between the two prime ministers said the leaders condemned in the strongest terms the Pahalgam terrorist attack, rejecting double standards on terrorism.
“Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both leaders condemned in the strongest terms the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which took the lives of 26 innocent civilians; reiterated zero tolerance to terrorism, and rejected double standards on terrorism. Both countries acknowledged the need to counter radicalization; combat financing of terrorism; prevent the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes; and tackle terrorist recruitment and transnational organized crime through joint efforts and capacity building,” the statement said.
India and Fiji also agreed to work together at the United Nations and other multilateral fora to combat terrorism.
The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, climate justice, inclusive development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. Prime Minister Rabuka praised India’s leadership role in the Global South, while both sides expressed appreciation for the valued mutual support extended in multilateral forums.
The leaders further agreed on the urgent need for comprehensive UN reforms, including the expansion of the Security Council in both categories of membership to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. Fiji reaffirmed its support for India’s bid to become a permanent member in a reformed and expanded Security Council, as well as for India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent membership for the 2028-29 term.
Both prime ministers also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening South-South cooperation to effectively address global challenges. They agreed to work together on issues of shared concern to the Global South, including equitable representation in institutions of global governance.
Prime Minister Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, marking the start of his official visit to India, which will continue until August 26.
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