Youth Exchange Program 2026 in India
Fijian youth delegation briefing ahead of Republic Day Camp 2026
On 13 January 2026, the High Commission of India in Suva hosted a pre-departure briefing for a seven-member youth delegation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of Republic of Fiji selected to participate in the Republic Day Camp 2026 in India under the Youth Exchange Program (YEP). The youth delegation comprises of 6 cadets and one supervising officer. The event was attended by the Fijian Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Jese Saukuru. The briefing was addressed by the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta.
The National Cadet Corps (NCC), under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has invited youth organizations from across the world to participate in the Youth Exchange Program 2026, to be held in New Delhi and other locations in India from 15 January to 30 January 2026. Fiji’s participation in the Republic Day Camp for the fifth consecutive year reflects the growing strength of people-to-people ties and youth cooperation between Fiji and India.
The Youth Exchange Program aims to provide selected youth with a platform to interact with Indian youth and experience India’s rich cultural diversity and heritage and gain first-hand exposure to the country’s democratic traditions and developmental progress. The program also enables interaction among youth from different countries, fostering mutual understanding and international friendship. As State Guests of the Government of India, the visit is fully supported by the Government of India.
During the briefing, High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Suneet Mehta congratulated the delegates on their selection for the prestigious program and highlighted the significance of the Republic Day Camp as an important avenue for youth engagement and diplomacy. He briefed the delegation on the visit programme, the places to be visited, and the expectations placed on them as young representatives from Fiji.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Honorable Jese Saukuru, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation to the Government of India for its continued support in facilitating the visit of the Fijian youth delegation to India. He noted that the cadets would gain valuable knowledge and positive experiences during the programme, and return to Fiji with insights that could be applied in their communities and institutions. The Minister also expressed that, perhaps in the future, a youth delegation from India could also visit Fiji to experience the country’s culture and development initiatives firsthand. He also implored the Fijian youth to make use of the capacity building initiatives provided by India.
The visit programme will include participation in major national and ceremonial events, including witnessing the Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2026. The delegation will also attend cultural programmes, interact with senior NCC officials, and visit historical and cultural landmarks such as Agra, the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and the Red Fort. The programme further includes attendance at official receptions, including interaction with high-level dignitaries, and opportunities to interact with youth from other participating countries.
The Youth Exchange Program continues to play a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations and deepening youth-to-youth engagement between Fiji and India.
