Fiji and India have reaffirmed their strong bilateral ties and commitment to deeper cooperation during the Sixth Foreign Office Consultations held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva on 29 July 2025.
The high-level meeting, presided over by Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga, and Dr Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, brought together senior officials from both countries to review ongoing projects and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Central to the discussions was the proposed 100-bed Super Speciality Cardiology Hospital in Suva, with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, confirming that land allocation has been approved and preparatory work is underway.
The consultation also covered progress on the lease arrangements for India’s new Chancery and Cultural Centre in Nasese, Suva.
Additional agreements were finalised, including an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding for the Tubalevu Groundwater Project under India’s Quick Impact Project, and another MOU expected to be signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards and Fiji’s Department of National Trade Measurement & Standards during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to India in August 2025.
Dr Taga expressed gratitude for India’s continued support through initiatives such as the Forum for India–Pacific Island Countries cooperation, the India Technical and Economic Cooperation programme (ITEC), and cultural exchange projects, including Tamil language teaching in Rakiraki and Nadi.
Dr Malhotra highlighted the importance of the consultations in strengthening health, capacity building, cultural, and people-to-people ties, looking forward to the implementation of key projects and enhanced diplomatic engagement as Fiji and India approach 55 years of formal diplomatic relations.
Fiji’s Prime Minister Rabuka’s forthcoming visit to India, scheduled for 25 August 2025, will further cement this enduring partnership and pave the way for new collaborative ventures.
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