Celebration of India's 79th Independence Day on 15 August 2025 and National Day reception on 18 August 2025 at GPH, Suva
The High Commission of India in Fiji celebrated the 79th Independence Day of India with a National Day Reception on 18 August 2025, graced by the Hon. Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Sitiveni Rabuka, as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by senior members of the Fijian Government, including Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small & Medium Enterprises & Communications, Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics,Hon. Agni Deo Singh, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, and Leader of Opposition Hon. Inia Seruiratu. Also present were Permanent Secretaries, members of the diplomatic corps, the business community, and other distinguished guests. Approximately 200 guests attended, reflecting the warm and longstanding ties between India and Fiji.
His Excellency High Commissioner Mehta, in his speech, thanked the Prime Minister for his presence and reiterated India's commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Fiji. He highlighted the recent momentum in bilateral ties, marked by high-level visits, collaborative development projects such as the super-specialty hospital, MoU on Pharmacopeial Cooperation, support for agriculture and digital public infrastructure, as well as capacity building. Emphasizing shared democratic values and a common vision for a resilient Indo-Pacific, he reaffirmed India's readiness to work closely with Fiji for a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Chief of Protocol, in her remark, highlighted the shared history and cultural ties that bind the two countries, particularly acknowledging the significant contributions of the Girmitiyas to the socio-economic development of modern Fiji. She praised the strong framework of democracy in both nations and expressed Fiji's gratitude for India's continued assistance and goodwill.
On the morning of 15 August 2025, a special flag hoisting ceremony was held at India House in Suva to commemorate the 79th Independence Day. The High Commissioner His Excellency Suneet Mehta hoisted the Indian national flag, the Tiranga, to the tune of the national anthem. In his address, High Commissioner Mehta read the address of the Hon. President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, highlighting India’s democratic values, economic growth, social progress, and commitment to unity, resilience, and good governance. The event featured patriotic songs by students and teachers of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and was attended by around 200 members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India.
The celebrations were a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Fiji, rooted in shared history, democratic values, and a vision for a prosperous future.
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