Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka to visit India: First official trip from August 24-26; meeting with PM Modi, ICWA speech on agenda

NEW DELHI: Fiji prime minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka will visit India from August 24 to 26, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, the ministry of external Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

This marks his first visit to India in his current capacity.During his visit to New Delhi, PM Rabuka is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 25. “Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch in his honour,” the MEA said. Rabuka will also call on President Droupadi Murmu, who had visited Fiji in August 2024.The MEA added that PM Rabuka is expected to deliver a talk on “Ocean of Peace” at the Indian council of world affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi.Accompanying him will be his spouse, Sulueti Rabuka, the minister of health and medical services, Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, and other senior officials.Highlighting the significance of the visit, the MEA said, “This visit underscores the longstanding and enduring ties between India and Fiji” and “reaffirms the continued commitment of both countries to further strengthen the bilateral relationship across all sectors and deepen our close people-to-people ties.”

India-Fiji relations are rooted in mutual respect, cooperation, and strong cultural connections. Over the years, India has supported Fiji in nation-building efforts across key sectors and in capacity-building initiatives.The MEA also recalled Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Fiji on November 19, 2014, calling it a watershed moment for India-Fiji relations and India’s engagement with the Pacific Island countries. During that visit, three MoUs were signed: For extending a line of credit for a co-generation plant in Fiji, for training diplomats, and for earmarking land for diplomatic missions in the respective capitals.