Fiji has taken further steps to strengthen its longstanding relationship with India, as Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel undertakes a series of high-level engagements across the country.
Currently in India, the Minister’s visit is focused on expanding cooperation in priority sectors and reinforcing the historic ties between the two nations.
During the visit, he met with India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita. Both leaders reflected on the deep historical and cultural links shared by Fiji and India and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the partnership.
Margherita expressed India’s readiness to support Fiji in key areas, including healthcare, digital governance, agricultural development, education and skills training, trade, cultural exchange and strengthening people-to-people connections.
Immanuel also held discussions with senior Indian officials and institutional leaders aimed at supporting Fiji’s digital transformation and economic development. Meetings were conducted with Bhuvnesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India; Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, Chairman and Managing Director of the National Small Industries Corporation; T. C. A. Kalyani from India’s Ministry of Finance; and representatives from the National Payments Corporation of India.
Discussions centred on potential collaboration in digital identity systems, support for small and medium enterprises, public financial management and digital payments infrastructure — areas viewed as critical to Fiji’s modernisation agenda.
Healthcare cooperation was another priority during the trip. The Minister met executives from Apollo Hospitals in Delhi to explore partnerships aimed at expanding access to specialised tertiary care for Fijian patients.
Later in Chennai, Immanuel is scheduled to officiate at the 27th Founder’s Day celebration of MIOT International. India remains a key destination for Fijians seeking advanced medical treatment, and MIOT has expanded its presence in Fiji through the management of cardiac services at Lautoka Hospital in partnership with Aspen.
The renewed engagement highlights a relationship anchored not only in shared history, but also in common values of democracy, mutual respect and social justice — principles that continue to guide cooperation between Fiji and India.
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