Fiji’s partnership with India is being strengthened through scholarship and training programmes that are shaping the nation’s human resource development while fostering diplomatic and cultural links between the two countries.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) provides more than 3,000 scholarships each year to students from nearly 180 countries, including Fiji, offering opportunities to pursue higher education across a wide range of disciplines in India.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Sumit Mehta, emphasised that these initiatives are part of India’s broader commitment to knowledge sharing and capacity building with Fiji and other Pacific nations. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, nearly 100 Fijian professionals participated in specialised training programmes last year alone, with over 1,000 Fijians benefiting since 2007.
Cooperation between the two countries also extends into healthcare. India and Fiji are collaborating on the establishment of a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva. The project’s tender process is currently underway, with construction set to begin once procurement procedures are complete.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, Arts and Public Enterprise, Charan Jeath Singh, officiated as chief guest at the ICCR Fiji Alumni Meet, reaffirming the strong and enduring relationship between Fiji and India.
In his address, Minister Singh described the Fiji–India relationship as unique and deeply rooted in history, shaped by shared heritage, strong people-to-people connections, and common values of democracy, pluralism, and respect for diversity.
“From the Girmit legacy to our contemporary diplomatic engagement, India has remained a trusted and valued partner of Fiji. This relationship continues to deepen and strengthen, reflected in the frequency and quality of high-level engagements between our two countries.”
The Minister highlighted the role of cultural collaboration in strengthening bilateral ties, pointing to Fiji’s partnership with ICCR in hosting major international events, including the World Hindi Conference in 2023, attended by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the inaugural International Ramayan Conference in 2016.
Minister Singh also emphasised the central role of education in the Fiji–India partnership, describing the ICCR scholarship programme as one of its most meaningful pillars.
“For decades, ICCR scholarships have enabled Fijians to study in India, where they not only gain academic knowledge but also serve as ambassadors for Fiji while experiencing India’s rich cultural and social life.”
He noted that ICCR alumni return home with valuable skills, global perspectives, and a deeper understanding of India, contributing directly to Fiji’s national development while strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations.
Former ISSR scholarship recipient Sherine Prasad praised the programme for providing academic opportunities alongside strong welfare support during crises. She recalled studying in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Banaras Hindu University, the scholarship programme, and the Indian government prioritised student safety and facilitated repatriation despite the high costs of international travel at the time.
The importance of these educational initiatives was further highlighted during the ICCR Fiji Alumni Meet at the Civic Centre in Suva, hosted by the High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. High Commissioner Mehta welcomed guests and spoke about ICCR scholarships and the activities of the High Commission.
The event featured reflections from ICCR alumni on their academic journeys in India, as well as cultural performances in Kathak and Bharatanatyam. A “Vande Mataram” exhibition also showcased India’s rich traditions, celebrating the deep-rooted bonds between the two nations.
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