Suva [Fiji], July 30 (ANI): The 6th India-Fiji Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on July 29 in Suva. The Indian delegation was led by Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Fijian side was headed by Raijeli Taga, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs. The previous FOC was held in July 2022, also in Suva, according to an official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
The consultations provided an opportunity to review and discuss the full range of bilateral relations. Secretary Malhotra and Permanent Secretary Taga explored avenues to strengthen cooperation in sectors including health, education, capacity building, trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges to deepen and diversify the India-Fiji partnership.
Malhotra conveyed India’s appreciation for the Fijian Government’s expression of solidarity and support in the global fight against terrorism, with particular reference to the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 2025. The two delegations also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Pacific.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements and political consultations. The next round of FOC is expected to take place in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time in 2026.
During the visit, Secretary Malhotra paid courtesy calls on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Biman Prasad; Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua; and Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa.
She also met with Filimoni Vosarogo, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources; Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations; Charan Jeath Singh, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry; and Sakiusa Tubuna, Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Additionally, Secretary Malhotra held a roundtable discussion with prominent members of the Fijian business community.
The visit contributed to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer cooperation under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), in line with India’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision, the statement added.
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