External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in Delhi, emphasizing the strengthening of India-Fiji relations.
Sharing the details on X, Jaishankar wrote:
“Pleased to meet DPM Manoa Kamikamica of Fiji today in Delhi. Glad to hear his positive impressions of cooperatives and other development programs in India.”
The discussion covered a range of topics, including organic farming, technological applications, and the use of digital tools to enhance development initiatives.
India-Fiji Collaboration in Renewable Energy
The meeting comes days after India signed a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance to operationalize a solar project worth USD 2 million in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. This initiative is part of the Quad Climate Working Group and reinforces India’s commitment to renewable energy in the Indo-Pacific.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted this agreement as a testament to India’s dedication to promoting clean energy transitions in island nations.
India’s Development Partnership with Fiji
India has been a long-standing development partner for Fiji, supporting the nation across key sectors, including:
- Capacity Building: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programs offer training and education opportunities to Fijian nationals. Scholarships from the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) further enhance education ties.
- Disaster Relief: India has consistently provided humanitarian aid to Fiji during natural calamities.
- Cultural Exchange: The relationship is strengthened by shared cultural ties and people-to-people connections.
The bilateral relationship gained momentum after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 visit to Fiji, which saw the inaugural meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
Deepening Bilateral Ties
Manoa Kamikamica expressed appreciation for India’s continued support and highlighted the potential for future collaboration in sustainable development. The discussion underscored the commitment of both nations to shared growth and prosperity.
Looking Ahead
India remains committed to fostering deeper ties with Fiji, leveraging mutual respect and cooperation to address global challenges and enhance regional stability.
