What happened?
On August 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, during which the two countries firmed up a broad action plan to expand defence and security cooperation. “India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but our aspirations sail in the same boat,” PM Modi said, standing alongside Rabuka after their meeting. He added that both nations are committed to a free, inclusive, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. India and Fiji signed seven agreements to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors. Modi announced that India would extend training and equipment support to Fiji to bolster its maritime security. He also underlined India’s intent to work closely with Fiji in addressing shared challenges, including climate change and disaster response.
Why it matters to India
Fiji occupies a strategic position in the South Pacific. For India, expanding defence and maritime cooperation with Fiji strengthens its outreach in the wider Indo-Pacific, complementing its security partnerships with other island nations. By finalising a structured defence and security action plan, New Delhi positions itself as a reliable partner in Fiji’s capacity-building. The agreements also reflect India’s commitment to the Global South. For Fiji, India’s support in climate resilience and disaster management is equally critical, aligning with its urgent national priorities as a vulnerable island state. Together, the partnership underscores India’s broader strategy of combining diplomacy, defence cooperation, and development to shape a secure Indo-Pacific.