Fiji has become the first country to unfurl the Indian national flag as part of global celebrations marking India’s 80th Independence Day, while reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
The historic ceremony took place at India House in Suva on Saturday morning, as the High Commission of India launched the Suryapath Tiranga campaign — a global flag relay following the path of the rising sun from east to west.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta said Suva was deliberately chosen as the starting point, making Fiji the first of 55 Indian missions worldwide to participate in the relay.
The campaign will now move westward, carrying the Indian Tricolour and the spirit of India’s Independence Day celebrations across the globe.
Mehta said India’s 80th Independence Day was a particularly significant occasion, evoking pride and a strong connection to the country’s heritage.
He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and Fiji, which dates back 147 years to the arrival of the first Girmitiyas.
People of Indian origin have made a significant contribution to Fiji’s development and social fabric, Mehta said, describing them as a “real human living bridge” between India and Fiji.
He encouraged the community to continue contributing to both countries through their personal and professional lives.
The celebrations came as Fiji also reaffirmed India’s role as an important development partner.
“As the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of India was commemorated this week, Fiji recognises India’s contribution as a development partner whose support has translated into practical gains for communities across Fiji,” the Fijian Government said.
The partnership has included cooperation across development, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and other areas of mutual interest.
The Suva ceremony brought together community members, officials and families, with traditional music and cultural performances adding to the atmosphere of national pride.
The flag relay follows an earlier Har Ghar Tiranga ceremony held at India House on August 14, led by Mehta and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
The initiative celebrates patriotism, unity and pride in the Tricolour as India marks eight decades of independence.
The relay will next move westward to New Zealand, continuing the global journey of the Indian national flag.
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