India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Fiji on November 19, 2014, following his engagements in Australia, which would include the G20 Summit in Brisbane (November 15&16), address to the Members of the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra (November 17), a large rally of People of Indian Origin in Sydney (November 18). His visit to Fiji is a signal by the Modi government that the South Pacific Nation will play an important role in India’s geo-political stance.
While India and Fiji enjoy cordial relations, these are limited to diplomatic and cultural spheres. However, the military dimension of the relationship cannot be ignored, especially since Mr Modi has chosen to visit Fiji while invitations to many other countries in the region (including New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia) are pending. His visit to Fiji would be the first in three decades – the last Prime Ministerial visit was by Indira Gandhi in 1981.
The Indian defence establishment has understood that the country should be prepared in the first instance to expand its maritime power in the Asia Pacific region and in the second instance gain acceptance of the countries concerned. Should Mr Modi raise it, his Fijian counterpart Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama is likely to agree. Australia is also likely to give the nod, given the fact that that country’s Prime Minister Tony Abbot signed a Nuclear Agreement with India during his visit in September. He has also agreed to supply uranium to India to feed its nuclear power plants.
India must have a visible presence in the waters of the South Pacific and at least on one side of the Tasman to register any global impact.
From India’s point of view, it can easily amplify its diplomatic and strategic presence in the South Pacific, utilising the enormous goodwill it enjoys with Fiji. With its growing status as an economic power and its clout in space technology, India can certainly have the attention of the world in listening to its maritime ambitions.
Its recognised reputation as a non-aggressive country using its military power only in self-defense makes India’s stake credible and devoid of any sinister motives. In addition, a defence pact with India could come with a package that would include sharing intelligence, vital in the region’s combat against terrorism.
Further, greater military cooperation between India and Fiji comes at a time when the Fijian military is moving towards higher standard of professionalism shedding its political interest. Fijian military can become good partners by participating in such global efforts as the United Nations Peace Keeping Missions in troubled sections of the world.
The Indian government under Narendra Modi has understood the importance of atoll countries such as Fiji for expanding its military presence. His visit to Fiji this month would trigger talks aimed at higher levels of cooperation and engagement.
Balaji Chandramohan is our Correspondent based in New Delhi. He is currently on a study leave of New Zealand and Fiji.
