India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, has recently emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to Fiji and the broader Pacific region, stating that the partnership is now entering a new phase based on trust, shared values, and strong people-to-people connections. During India’s Republic Day Reception at the Novotel Lami, Mehta highlighted the collaborative efforts between India and Fiji aimed at improving the lives of their citizens.
“We will build a future that is brighter, more prosperous, and more inclusive for our peoples,” Mehta proclaimed, underlining the historical bond between the two nations. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Girmitiya community to Fiji’s social, cultural, and economic landscape since the 19th century, emphasizing the essential role that the Indian diaspora continues to play in sectors such as agriculture, trade, education, and public service.
Mr. Mehta identified the year 2025 as a pivotal moment for bilateral relations, marked by high-level political interactions. He mentioned the visit of Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to India last November and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s anticipated historic visit to India in August 2025, which is expected to produce key agreements reinforcing the spirit of “Veilomani Dosti”—a friendship based on mutual respect.
A notable aspect of this partnership is the cooperation in healthcare. India has pledged to establish a 100-bed Super Specialty Hospital in Suva, which will serve as a vital regional hub for advanced medical services. This initiative demonstrates India’s commitment to enhancing healthcare resilience within Fiji and the Pacific, with the tender process currently underway and construction expected to begin soon.
In addition to healthcare, discussions are broadening to include cooperation in defense, agriculture, education, and capacity building. Looking toward the future, Mehta pointed out that India’s expertise in renewable energy, digital technologies, and climate resilience offers new avenues for collaboration, either bilaterally or through regional and multilateral channels.
“India remains committed to working with Fiji and Pacific Island nations to promote sustainable growth, resilience, and shared prosperity,” he affirmed, highlighting India’s ongoing engagement through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation. This spirit of cooperation is not only beneficial for the individual nations but also represents a collective step toward a prosperous future for the region as a whole.