Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to India has yielded a landmark package of agreements and support initiatives that promise to deliver long-term benefits for Fiji’s healthcare system, economy, defence capability, and people-to-people ties.
During the three-day visit that ends today, India and Fiji signed seven key bilateral documents, while an additional 17 major announcements were made to deepen cooperation under what leaders described as a “partnership in the spirit of Veilomani Dosti, he spirit of friendship and compassion.
Key agreements signed were on super-Specialty Hospital for Fiji where India will design, build, operate and maintain a state-of-the-art Super-Specialty Hospital in Fiji, marking a major milestone in improving local access to advanced healthcare
On supply of affordable medicines, an agreement was signed between HLL Lifecare Ltd and Fiji’s Health Ministry to supply medicines under India’s Janaushadhi Scheme, known for low-cost, high-quality pharmaceuticals
Under Standards and Quality Assurance, the Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s Department of National Measurement and Standards will cooperate to enhance standardization and quality control across industries
For digital skills training, a pact between NIELIT (India) and Pacific Polytech (Fiji) will support capacity-building in digital literacy and upskilling of Fijians.
Quick impact projects agreement will see India continue to provide grant assistance for small-scale, high-impact community projects throughout Fiji.
Under mobility and migration, a Declaration of Intent was signed to facilitate legal migration and mobility pathways for Fijians to work or study in India.
The Government of Fiji officially handed over the lease deed for the Indian diplomatic mission’s premises in Suva.
Other major announcements benefitting Fiji were on:
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Defence Cooperation
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Defence Attaché Post to be created at India’s High Commission in Suva.
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Cybersecurity Training Cell to be established in Fiji.
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Two ambulances to be gifted to the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
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Indian Naval Ship visit scheduled for 2025.
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Cultural, Educational and People-to-People Ties
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Hindi and Sanskrit teacher to be posted at the University of Fiji.
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Training for a cohort of pundits in India.
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Support for the Great Council of Chiefs and Fijian parliamentary delegation to visit India in 2026.
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2nd Jaipur Foot Camp to provide prosthetic limbs in Fiji.
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Cricket coach from India to be placed with Cricket Fiji.
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Agriculture and Economy
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Mobile soil testing labs and agricultural drones to be supplied to the Sugar Ministry and Sugar Research Institute.
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An ITEC expert to assist the Fiji Sugar Corporation, and special training for FSC staff in India.
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MoU between NABARD and Fiji Development Bank to improve access to rural and agricultural finance.
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Indian ghee officially gains access to the Fijian market.
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Business and Trade
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MoU signed between the Confederation of Indian Industry and Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) to expand business ties.
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Healthcare Access
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Fijians to benefit from advanced treatments under India’s ‘Heal in India’ medical tourism programme.
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Regional Diplomacy
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Fiji formally joins the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), aligning with India on shared maritime goals.
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