India Strengthens Ties with Fiji During Minister Pabitra Margherita’s Visit
| 2025-05-13
Minister of State Pabitra Margherita called on Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka in Labasa following the Girmit Day celebrations.
Indian Minister Pabitra Margherita meets Fiji’s President and Prime Minister, enhancing bilateral ties and commemorating Girmit Day during a May 2025 visit.
Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, met with senior leaders of Fiji during a visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and commemorating shared historical links between the two nations.
The visit, which took place from 10 to 12 May 2025, included meetings with Fiji’s President Ratu Naiqama Tawakecolati Lalabalavu and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, along with participation in the 146th Girmit Day commemorations held in Labasa.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Minister Margherita held talks with the President of Fiji at the State House, where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. In a statement shared on social media platform X, he described the meeting as a “fruitful discussion on strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation and shared values between India and Fiji.”
Earlier in the visit, the Minister also met with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, following the Girmit Day ceremony. Discussions between the two leaders addressed opportunities to deepen collaboration across key sectors, according to official statements from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
In addition to these meetings, Minister Margherita conferred with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Pharmacopeial Cooperation.
Girmit Day: Honouring Shared Heritage
Margherita’s visit coincided with the 146th Girmit Day, which marks the arrival of Indian indentured labourers—known as Girmitiyas—to Fiji under British colonial rule. Speaking as the Guest of Honour at the commemorative event, the Minister paid tribute to the contributions of the Indian-origin community in Fiji.
“The resilience, sacrifice, and spirit of the Girmitiyas laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji,” Margherita said during his address, which was attended by Fiji’s Prime Minister as Chief Guest.
As part of the celebrations, awards were presented to descendants of the Girmitiya community in recognition of their role in Fiji’s development. Minister Margherita expressed gratitude to the Fijian government for declaring Girmit Day a national holiday, reflecting its cultural significance.
Cultural and Diaspora Outreach
The Minister also virtually inaugurated a new Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa alongside Fijian Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh. The facility aims to promote holistic health and wellness while underscoring the cultural ties between the two countries.
During his time in Fiji, Minister Margherita interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and alumni of Indian government-sponsored educational and technical programmes. These engagements are part of India's broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections in the Indo-Pacific region.
Visit to New Zealand
Prior to arriving in Fiji, the Minister visited New Zealand from 8 to 9 May, where he addressed the India-New Zealand Business Council Dialogue in Auckland as Guest of Honour. He also held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, and Trade Minister Todd McClay.
At the Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Centre in Auckland, Margherita addressed the Indian community and reaffirmed India’s commitment to the welfare of its diaspora abroad.
India-Fiji Relations
India and Fiji share long-standing ties rooted in historical migration, cultural affinity, and common democratic values. The connection dates back to 1879, when Indian labourers were first brought to Fiji under the British indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. By the time the practice was abolished in 1920, over 60,000 Indians had arrived in the Pacific nation.
Diplomatic relations were formalised in 1948, with India’s presence upgraded to a High Commission after Fiji gained independence in 1970.
India’s engagement with Fiji has expanded under the “Act East” policy, which aims to deepen ties across the Indo-Pacific region through trade, development cooperation, and cultural exchange.
The recent ministerial visit reinforces India’s strategic interest in the Pacific and highlights the importance of historical connections in shaping contemporary diplomatic efforts.
Chief of Defence Staff's visit to Australia paves way for greater strategic cooperation
General Anil Chauhan’s visit signals a deeper alignment of India and Australia’s defense strategies.
|2025-03-09
PM Modi, Australian PM Albanese meet in Rio; India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership officially launched
India and Australia have shared ambition to work together and deploy their complementary capabilities to drive climate action
|2024-11-20
India and Australia discuss use of advanced technologies in public administration and governance reforms
Both nations recognise that trusted, safe, and citizen-centric digital solutions are key to sustainable governance
|2024-11-19
India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is growing steadily, says EAM Jaishankar
EAM Jaishankar is on a visit to Australia and Singapore from November 3-7, 2024.
|2024-11-05
India, Australia explore stronger trade ties at 19th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting
Both sides are keen to explore untapped opportunities in trade, technology, and tourism
|2024-09-26