India’s scholarship and training programs are vital in enhancing human resource development in Fiji while also fostering closer diplomatic and cultural relationships between the two nations. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) provides over 3,000 scholarships each year to international students from around 180 countries, including Fiji, enabling them to pursue higher education in a variety of fields across India.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Sumit Mehta, emphasized that this initiative reflects India’s commitment to building capacity and sharing knowledge with Fiji and other Pacific countries. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, nearly 100 Fijian professionals benefited from specialized training programs in the previous year alone. Since the program’s inception in 2007, more than 1,000 Fijians have taken advantage of these opportunities.
The collaboration between India and Fiji also includes significant developments in the healthcare sector. Both nations are working together on a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, with the tender process currently in progress. Construction is anticipated to begin following the completion of procurement procedures.
Charan Jeath Singh, Fiji’s Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs, Heritage, and Culture, remarked on the essential role of scholarship programs in the national development of Fiji, highlighting that they equip participants with internationally recognized qualifications and technical skills. Returning scholars contribute valuable knowledge, professional expertise, and global perspectives that enhance Fiji’s growth in various sectors. Furthermore, these programs strengthen interpersonal connections, allowing scholars to gain a richer understanding of Indian culture, values, and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Sherine Prasad, a former ISSR scholarship recipient, shared her positive experience with the program, noting the academic opportunities and robust welfare support provided during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Her studies at Banaras Hindu University were marked by an emphasis on students’ safety and wellbeing, with authorities ensuring their support and safe repatriation amid high international travel costs during the pandemic.
These ongoing scholarship and training initiatives underscore the importance of education in Fiji-India relations, as both nations remain dedicated to investing in people-centric development and nurturing long-term partnerships. Such collaborations highlight a hopeful future of shared growth and understanding between India and Fiji.