Venkat Raman
Auckland, February 18, 2023
The maiden visit of India’s External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to Fiji this week set the tone for a more meaningful relationship with the South Pacific Nation.
The visit was also significant for India in its global partnership programme of friendship and cooperation, more so in this region, where stakes are high with the ‘economic invasion’ of China and the need for a genuine multilateral relationship.
Dr Jaishankar took a light-hearted moment at the 12th World Hindi Conference held on February 16 in Fiji to illustrate the hand of friendship. A separate report on the Conference will appear shortly.
Friendship, not dominance
He quoted Fijian President William Katonivere as saying that he was a great fan of Hindi films and cited Sholay (a blockbuster film of 1975) as his all-time favourite and that the song ‘Yeh Dosti’ (This Friendship) was one the best that he enjoys to this day.
“Our relationship is based on friendship and not dominance. India has a long-cherished association with Fiji, dating back to the 19th Century. And those attending the 12th World We have enjoyed the friendship of Fiji over the past two days,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Jaishankar attended a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who is also Fiji’s Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers Manoa Kamikamica (External Trade, Cooperatives and SMEs), Dr Biman Prasad (Finance) and Viliame Gavoka (Tourism and Civil Aviation).
An official statement issued in Suva said that Fiji and India renewed their commitment to advance cooperation in key areas such as economic prosperity, climate mitigation and sustainable development.
It is understood that Mr Rabuka sought India’s support in several areas including health, education, renewable energy, information technology, private sector development, agriculture and sugar industry.
Restricted Visa Waiver Agreement
The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to exempt visa requirements for people travelling on diplomatic and official passports.
“This MoU represents a milestone in building stronger connectivity for the peoples of both nations. It will bolster economic opportunities in trade, tourism, business and investment. On behalf of the government of Fiji, I thank the government of India for the realisation of this important cooperation. I am confident that we will witness many more of such initiatives unfold through deepened cooperation,” Mr Rabuka said.
He extended an invitation to Mr Modi to visit Fiji.
Dr Jaishankar said that India considers its relationship with Fiji as of great significance and thanked the Fijian government and people for hosting the World Hindi Conference.
“India and Fiji share a close relationship and family ties rooted in our historical linkages with strong cultural similarities. We had an open discussion on the possibility of adding substance to our bilateral relations and improving the quality. The Visa Waiver Agreement will be helpful in encouraging travel between the two countries. We have longstanding ties we are privileged to partner with Fiji in the national building efforts across various sectors. There is really a substantive bilateral agenda before us,” he said.
Later, addressing a media conference, Mr Rabuka expressed his ‘deep gratitude’ on behalf of his government and the people of Fiji to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for their continuous support.
“India has been a great source of solace and comfort at all times, especially while in need. India has provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, lifesaving vaccines and support to our rebuilding efforts after the Covid-19 pandemic and climate crisis,” he said.
The Pacific Islands Forum
Mr Rabuka said that as the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, he is committed to reuniting the Pacifica family and thanked the Indian government for supporting the Collective Vision of building a resilient and prosperous Pacific region through the ‘2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.’
The 2050 Strategy, adopted at the annual meeting of the Forum held in Tuvalu in 2019, provides for joint action to achieve sustainable development by 2050 through seven key, thematic areas. They are 1. Political Leadership and Regionalism 2. People-Centred Development 3. Peace and Security 4. Resource and Economic Development 5. Climate Change and Disasters 6. Ocean and Natural Environment and 7. Technology and Connectivity
Mr Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s support for India’s Presidency of G20, which he described as “a platform to further advance mutual issues of interest to Fiji, Pacific and the global family.”
