New Delhi [India], August 25 (ANI): India and Fiji on Monday announced significant initiatives to strengthen defense and maritime security cooperation, including the creation of a Defence Attache post at the High Commission of India in Suva.
According to the joint statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, bilateral ties are gaining momentum with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The statement noted a planned port call by an Indian Naval Ship to Fiji later this year.
As part of the new initiatives, Prime Minister Modi announced the gifting of two sea ambulances to Fiji’s military forces and the establishment of a Cyber Security Training Cell (CSTC) in Fiji to address emerging challenges.
“Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening defense cooperation through new initiatives aimed at accelerating bilateral efforts designed to promote mutual benefits and advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed India’s assurance to support the security of Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the planned naval port call, which he said would enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability.
The joint statement also emphasized cooperation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, military medicine, White Shipping Information Exchange, and capacity building for Fiji’s military. “Both leaders acknowledged the growing momentum in bilateral defense ties. They emphasized the importance of their shared interests in advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” it said.
During a special briefing, MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra reiterated the focus on defense and security cooperation in the region, including training, capacity building, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
“We are focusing on training and capacity building, and we have also had port calls by our ships. We are essentially enhancing the maritime capabilities of Fiji so that they can deal with security challenges in the region, which also includes disaster management, as their countries are vulnerable to natural disasters and cyclones,” Malhotra said.
She added that India and Fiji are committed to advancing their shared vision of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, highlighting Fiji’s role as a regional hub through its leadership in the Pacific Islands Forum and its air and shipping links.
Prime Minister Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for his first official visit to India as Fiji’s Prime Minister. His visit, which will continue until August 26, aims to deepen India-Fiji ties across multiple sectors, including strategic partnership and people-to-people exchanges.
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