Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his wife Sulueti joined guests at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Monday night to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day.
India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta told the gathering the occasion also marked 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He said the bond was built on shared democratic values, mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties.
“The Indian diaspora in Fiji, a community with origins dating back to the 19th century, has contributed immensely to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of this nation. In recent years, our ties have gained significant momentum through historic high-level engagements,” he said.
Mr Mehta highlighted President Droupadi Murmu Ji’s State visit in August 2024, the first by an Indian head of state to Fiji as a defining moment in bilateral relations.
He also announced two major initiatives: a 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital project and a new MOU on Pharmacopeial Cooperation to improve pharmaceutical standards and access to affordable medicines across the Pacific.
Chief of protocol Kiti Temo commended India’s support to Fiji in health, education, capacity building and technology, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to expanding trade, renewable energy and cultural exchange.
Cabinet ministers, diplomats and members of the Indian community attended the event.
