India will soon establish a defence wing at its High Commission in Suva, as part of a major step to bolster defence and security ties with Fiji.
The move was announced during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to New Delhi, which has marked a significant elevation in bilateral cooperation.
The defence wing will be headed by a dedicated defence attaché who will also cover wider Pacific Island nations, further cementing Fiji’s status as a strategic partner for India in the Indo-Pacific.
India has also committed to strengthening Fiji’s maritime security, offering training, equipment, and cybersecurity assistance, including the establishment of a cybersecurity training cell in Fiji.
Additionally, two ambulances will be donated to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to enhance emergency response capacity.
In a joint statement issued after bilateral talks, Prime Ministers Rabuka and Narendra Modi reaffirmed their shared vision for a free, open, inclusive, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi described Fiji as a “hub in cooperation” with Pacific Island nations, and said that both countries would work together to promote peace and prosperity in the region.
Mr Rabuka welcomed the security commitments and highlighted the importance of safeguarding Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which spans over one million square kilometers of ocean.
He noted that the collaboration would strengthen Fiji’s ability to monitor and protect its maritime domain, particularly in the face of growing transnational threats.
The visit also builds on existing defence ties, including the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, and the first Joint Working Group meeting on defence cooperation, held last month.
Indian officials confirmed that requests for specific equipment from Suva are currently under review.
Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said the current focus is on capacity building and maritime security.
This latest development comes as geopolitical competition intensifies in the Pacific, with India positioning itself as a development and security partner that respects local sovereignty and supports Pacific-led priorities.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s three-day visit to India, which ends today, has resulted in multiple bilateral agreements, including in healthcare, climate resilience, and digital transformation, further enhancing Fiji’s strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.