New Delhi [India], August 25 (ANI): India and Fiji on Monday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the need to prevent the misuse of new technologies for terrorist purposes, with Suva expressing support for New Delhi to take a leadership role in the global fight against terrorism.
Addressing a press conference after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, Secretary (South) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Neena Malhotra, said Fiji has consistently supported India in condemning terrorism.
“Fiji has supported India in condemning terrorism. Even today, they have come up with their support to India against terrorism. Fiji wants India to take a leadership role in the fight against terrorism,” she said.
The joint statement issued after the meeting said the two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. They reiterated their commitment to zero tolerance toward terrorism and rejected double standards in addressing it.
“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 read.
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 leaders expressed appreciation for the valued mutual support extended in multilateral forums. They also underscored the urgent need for comprehensive UN reforms, including expanding the Security Council in both categories of membership to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Fiji reaffirmed its support for India as a permanent member of a reformed and expanded Security Council, as well as its support for India’s candidature for the UNSC non-permanent membership for the 2028-29 term.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation as a necessary step in addressing global challenges, agreeing to work together on issues of concern to the Global South, including enhanced and equitable representation in institutions of global governance. They also welcomed Fiji’s continued engagement with the Global South Centre of Excellence, DAKSHIN, in developing unique solutions rooted in shared experiences of Global South countries.
The two prime ministers further reaffirmed their support for an open, inclusive, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Fiji’s partnership with like-minded countries committed to managing, conserving, and sustaining the maritime domain.
He commended Prime Minister Rabuka for his leadership in championing the “Ocean of Peace” initiative in the Pacific region.
About The Author
