India’s Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, has arrived in Fiji on his first official visit to the Pacific nation, following key government engagements in New Zealand.
Kicking off his tour with a spiritual note, Minister Margherita visited the iconic Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi — the largest Hindu temple in the South Pacific — calling it a symbol of “our enduring spiritual and cultural connection.”
During his visit, the Minister highlighted the ongoing Tamil language classes in Fiji, supported by the Government of India through the Ministry of External Affairs, and delivered in partnership with the Fijian Ministry of Education, the Fiji Government, and TISI Sangam.
“This initiative is preserving linguistic heritage and deepening the bonds between our peoples.”
A major highlight of Margherita’s visit is his participation as Guest of Honour at the Girmit Day celebration in Labasa today.
The event commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in Fiji and pays tribute to their lasting contribution to the country’s cultural and social fabric.
On the sidelines of the celebrations, the Minister held talks with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Prof. Biman Prasad. “Discussed the whole gamut of India-Fiji bilateral cooperation across key sectors,” Margherita shared, underscoring a commitment to deepening development partnerships and exploring new avenues for mutual growth.
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