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Picture Courtesy:  PIB

Context

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare held a bilateral meeting with the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways of Fiji, at New Delhi.    

Evolution of India-Fiji Relations

Girmitiya Legacy: The socio-cultural link began in 1879 when the British brought over 60,000 Indian indentured laborers to Fiji's sugarcane plantations between 1879 and 1916. (Source: PIB)

People of Indian Origin (PIOs): Today, the Indo-Fijian community constitutes about 37% of Fiji's total population, serving as a vital "living bridge" between the two nations (Source: MEA).

Early Diplomatic Ties: India established a Commissioner's post in Suva in 1948 to protect the Indian diaspora, upgrading it to a High Commission upon Fiji's 1970 independence.

Post-Independence: The relationship faced strains due to political instability in Fiji, particularly the coups of 1987 and 2000 which targeted Indo-Fijian-led governments.

Post-2014: The visit of the Indian Prime Minister in 2014, the first by an Indian PM in 33 years, launched the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), institutionalizing India's engagement with 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), with Fiji as a central hub.

Strategic Importance of Fiji for India

Act East Policy & Indo-Pacific Vision

Fiji is central to India's 'Act East Policy' and its broader vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. India views Fiji as a key partner and a hub for its engagement with other PICs.

Countering China's Influence

As China increases its economic and military footprint in the Pacific through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and security pacts, a strong partnership with Fiji helps India and like-minded partners (like Australia, US, Japan) to offer a credible, transparent alternative and maintain a balanced regional order.

Maritime Security

Fiji's strategic location across vital sea lanes of communication makes it a crucial partner for maritime domain awareness and security cooperation.

Diaspora Connect

The large and influential Indo-Fijian community provides a strong foundation for cultural diplomacy and soft power projection.

Voice of the Global South

Both nations advocate for the Global South. Fiji supports India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council and collaborates in forums like the UN and the Commonwealth.

Blue Economy

There is immense potential for cooperation in sustainable harnessing of marine resources, including fisheries, ocean energy, and marine biodiversity.

India's Policy Towards Fiji

India's policy is anchored in its broader framework for the Pacific Islands, focusing on a development-centric, collaborative, and non-intrusive approach.

• FIPIC Framework: The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) focuses on key areas like climate change, renewable energy, healthcare, IT, and disaster resilience.
• SAGAR Vision: Aligns with the 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' (SAGAR) vision, emphasizing maritime security and a rules-based order.
• South-South Cooperation: India positions itself as a leading voice of the Global South, offering a partnership model based on shared values and mutual benefit.
• Focus on People-to-People Ties: Initiatives like the Visa Waiver Agreement, cultural exchange programs, and diaspora engagement are central to the policy.

Key Areas of Cooperation

Defence & Security

• MoU on Defence Cooperation (2017) focusing on training and capacity building.
• Establishment of a Defence Attaché post in the Indian High Commission in Suva (2025).
• Creation of a Cyber Security Training Cell in Fiji with Indian support.
• Gifting of sea ambulances to Fiji's military and planned port calls by Indian naval ships.
• Fiji joined the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Economic & Trade

• Bilateral trade stood at $77.47 million in 2023-24, with Indian exports at $76.28 million and Fiji's exports at $1.19 million. 
• MoUs between NABARD & Fiji Development Bank and CII & Fiji Commerce Federation to boost financial and commercial ties.
• Support for Fiji's sugar industry through agricultural drones and mobile soil testing labs.

Healthcare

• Flagship project to build a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Fiji.
• Agreement to set up Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable, high-quality Indian generic medicines.
• 'Heal in India' program allows Fijian nationals to receive specialized medical care in India.

Development & Capacity Building

• Doubling of ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) training slots for Fiji to 110 annually (Source: High Commission of India, Suva).
• Sagar Amrut Scholarships providing 100 scholarships annually for higher education.
• Support for renewable energy through solarisation projects and membership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI). 

Challenges and Obstacles in India-Fiji Relations

Political Instability in Fiji

Fiji's history of military coups creates a degree of political uncertainty which can impact long-term policy consistency and bilateral engagement.

China's Pervasive Influence

China's "debt-trap diplomacy" and vast economic engagement in the Pacific present a strategic challenge, putting India at a competitive disadvantage against China's massive regional investments.

Trade Imbalance

The bilateral trade is heavily skewed in India’s favor, which is a point of concern for Fiji's smaller economy.

Geographical Distance & Limited Resources

Logistical issues due to distance. India's aid and investment capacity, though increasing, remains smaller than that of established powers like Australia or major economies like China. 

Way Forward for Strengthening Relations

Enhance Maritime Security Cooperation

Deepen collaboration in maritime domain awareness, joint patrols, and sharing of white shipping information to secure Fiji's EEZ and vital sea lanes.

Boost Trade and Investment

Work towards diversifying Fiji's export basket and encourage Indian private sector investment in Fiji's key sectors like tourism, agro-processing, and IT.

Strengthen Climate Action Partnership

As Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are highly vulnerable to climate change, India should spearhead collaboration through the ISA and CDRI, focusing on resilient infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

Leverage Digital and Space Technology

Expand cooperation in digital connectivity, e-education, telemedicine, and space applications for resource management and disaster early warning systems.

Deepen People-to-People Connect

Promote greater engagement through tourism, youth exchange, and educational partnerships to further solidify the goodwill between the two nations.

Conclusion

The India-Fiji relationship has evolved into a modern, strategic partnership, crucial for India's Indo-Pacific vision and Fiji's developmental aspirations, demonstrating a model of South-South cooperation. 

Source: PIB