India deepens defence footprint in Pacific, announces attaché in Fiji

India and Fiji on Monday placed defence and security cooperation at the centre of their ties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that both countries have prepared an action plan covering maritime security, cyber defence and data protection.

During talks with visiting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Modi said India would provide training, equipment and expertise in these areas and thanked Suva for its support in countering terrorism.

“We are unanimous that terrorism is a huge challenge for the entire humanity. We express our gratitude to PM Rabuka and the Fiji Government for their cooperation and support in our fight against terrorism,” Modi said during the joint presser.

Briefing mediapersons later, MEA Secretary (South) Dr Neena Malhotra recalled that the two countries held the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on defence cooperation last month. She said the partnership was focused on enhancing Fiji’s maritime capabilities through training and capacity-building, while discussions on equipment supply were also underway.

India also announced the post of a Defence Attaché at its High Commission in Fiji, who will cover the wider Pacific region.

“Fiji is a valued partner in the Indo-Pacific. It is a regional hub with vital air and shipping links, and hosts the Pacific Islands Forum as well as the University of the South Pacific,” Malhotra noted. She said India’s development initiatives in the Pacific, such as the Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research Institute set up in Suva in 2024, were also anchored in Fiji.

Apart from security, the two Prime Ministers oversaw the signing of seven MoUs and agreements covering health, agriculture and cultural exchanges. A 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, dialysis units, sea ambulances, Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable medicines and a Jaipur Foot camp were announced as part of India’s new assistance package. In agriculture, Modi announced gifting of 12 agri-drones and two mobile soil testing labs, besides welcoming Fijian approval for Indian ghee exports.

Cultural and educational links will also expand, with Indian teachers to be deputed at Fiji University for Hindi and Sanskrit, and Fijian priests to train in India and join the Gita Mahotsav. Indian coaches will assist Fiji in cricket training.

On global issues, Modi reaffirmed collaboration on climate change and disaster resilience through the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuels Alliance. He also welcomed Fiji’s participation in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, praising Rabuka’s vision of “Oceans of Peace”.

“From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, our partnership is a bridge across the seas. It is rooted in Veilomani (love one another) and built on trust and respect,” Modi said, adding that India and Fiji were “fellow travellers in the development journey of the Global South”.

Rabuka’s three-day visit to India, from August 24 to 26, marks a new chapter in India’s outreach to the Pacific Islands.