High Commission of India
Suva
*****
As on October 2025
India – Fiji Bilateral Relations
Background
1. India’s links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian laborers were brought here under indenture system to work on sugar-cane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916 around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. In 1920, the indenture system was abolished.
2. Prior to Fiji’s independence in 1970, India had a post of Commissioner since 1948 to look after the interests of people of Indian origin. It was later upgraded to High Commissioner after Fiji’s independence in 1970. Fiji’s Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara visited India in 1971 and Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi visited Fiji in September 1981.
3. India-Fiji relations are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties. The bilateral relationship received a major boost after the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held. Over the years, as a major development partner of Fiji, India has been privileged to support Fiji in its nation building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building.
4. Visit of Prime Minister of India to Fiji: The visit by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to Fiji on 19 November 2014 was a watershed moment not only for India-Fiji relations but also for India’s relations with all the Pacific Island Countries. During the visit three MoUs were signed with Fiji: (i) MoU for Extending a Line of Credit for Establishing a Co-Generation Plant in Fiji, (ii) MoU on Cooperation in the field of training of diplomats, and (iii) MoU on the Earmarking of Land for their Diplomatic Missions in the respective Capitals.
5. Visit of External Affairs Minister to Fiji: Hon’ble EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Fiji from 14-17 February 2023 to attend the 12th World Hindi Conference held in Nadi, Fiji from 15-17 February. On 16 February 2023 EAM visited Suva for bilateral visit. During the visit Visa Waiver Agreement was signed between India and Fiji on 16 February 2023. During the visit three side events were also held in Suva, I) Launch of the Solarisation of the Pacific Head of State Residences at the State House, ii) Inauguration of Girmit Gallery funded by GOI and iii) Unveiling of bust of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel at India House followed by an interaction with the vibrant members of diaspora.
6. Visit of MOS (RRS) and Administrator of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep: Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State for External Minister and Praful Patel, Administrator of Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep visited Fiji from 14 to 16 May 2023 for Girmit Day Celebration in Suva. On 15 May 2023, Hon. MoS (RRS) was guest of honor at the 144th Girmit Day celebrations organized by the Fijian Government. Hon’ble Administrator, Shri Praful Patel also attended the celebrations.
7. Visit of the Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Fiji: At the invitation of Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere (FPK), Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji (HR) paid a two day State visit to Fiji from 05-07 August 2024. This was the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to Fiji. On arrival in Suva, HR was accorded a 100-Men Guard of Honor by the Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF). During the visit President was accorded a traditional welcome ceremony, an address in Parliament, and meetings with the Indian diaspora. She also held bilateral meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Fiji.
8. Visit of Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles to Fiji: At the invitation of the Fiji Government, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MOS(PM)], arrived in Fiji on a 03 day official visit from 10 – 12 May 2025. MoS (PM) was the guest of honor at the Girmit Day Commemoration in Labasa. MOS(PM) paid courtesy calls on the Fijian President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, and had separate meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad. In Suva MOS(PM) was witness to the signing of the MOU on recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia by Fiji along with Hon. Penioni Ravunawa,Assistant Minister for Health, Fiji.
9. Visit of Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka to India: From 24 - 26 August 2025, Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka visited India on his first official visit. PM Rabuka and PM Modi held a delegation level talks at Hyderabad House and witnessed the exchange of 8 bilateral documents/MoUs between India and Fiji. PM Modi hosted a banquet lunch in the honour of the PM Rabuka. During the visit, PM Rabuka made a courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The PM delegation had a meeting with Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mr. Jagat Prakash Nadda and they also visited UIDAI headquarters, Jan Aushadi Kendra at AIIMS, Apollo Hospital, and National Defence College. PM Rabuka delivered a speech on “Ocean of Peace” at Indian Council of World Affairs.
10. List of outcomes during the official visit of Prime Minister Rabuka to India in August 2025
i. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Fiji for Design, Construction, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance of a Super-Specialty Hospital in Fiji.
ii. Agreement between M/s. HLL Lifecare Limited and Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji on supply of medicines under Janaushadhi Scheme.
iii. Memorandum of Understanding between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Department of National Measurement and Standards (DNTMS) through the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications for and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Fiji on cooperation in the field of standardization.
iv. Memorandum of Understanding between National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology(NIELIT), India and Pacific POLYTECH, Fiji on cooperation in the Field of Human Capacity Skilling and Upskilling.
v. Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Fiji.
vi. Memorandum of Understanding between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF).
vii. Memorandum of Understanding between National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) and Fiji Development Bank.
viii. Memorandum of Understanding between Government of the Republic of India and Government of Republic of Fiji regarding Indian Grant Assistance for implementation of Quick Impact Project (QIP).
ix. Handing over of Lease Deed of Indian Chancery Building in Suva by the Fijian side.
x. India-Fiji joint statement : Partnership in the Spirit of Veilomani Dosti.
11. List of announcements during the official visit of Prime Minister Rabuka to India in August 2025
i. Visit of Parliamentary Delegation and of Great Council of Chiefs’ Delegation from Fiji to India in 2026.
ii. Port call by an Indian Naval Ship to Fiji in 2025.
iii. Creation of Defence Attaché post in High Commission of India, Fiji
iv. Gifting of ambulances to Republic of Fiji Military Forces
v. Establishment of Cyber Security Training Cell (CSTC) in Fiji
vi. Deputation of a Hindi-cum-Sanskrit teacher to University of Fiji
vii. Supply of Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories to Ministry of Sugar Industry and Multi-Ethnics Affairs
viii. Supply of Agricultural drones to Sugar Research Institute of Fiji under the Ministry of Sugar Industry and Multi-Ethnics Affairs
ix. Support for training for a cohort of Pundits from Fiji in India
x. 2nd Jaipur Foot Camp in Fiji
xi. Specialized medical treatment offered in India under ‘Heal in India’ programme
xii. Cricket coach from India for Cricket Fiji
xiii. Deputation of ITEC Expert to Fiji Sugar Corporation and special ITEC training for Sugar Industry Staff
xiv. Indian Ghee gets access to Fijian market
High-Level Exchanges
12. FIPIC: The Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries was inaugurated on 19 November 2014 at Suva. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India also hosted the First Summit of the Forum in Suva (Fiji) during his historic visit to Fiji on 19 November 2014. The Forum saw participation of 14 Pacific Island Countries. India announced various development assistance initiatives during the Summit and other cooperation projects in various fields including, Climate Change, trade, economy, tele- medicine and tele-education, IT, Grants for community development projects, human resource development and deputation of experts from India, etc.
13. FIPIC-II: As a follow-up of the historic first FIPIC Summit in 2014, India organized the second FIPIC at Jaipur on 21 August 2015, which was hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Building upon the success of the first FIPIC, India announced major initiatives to boost cooperation with the 14 Pacific Island countries. Fijian delegation, led by Prime Minister Hon’ble Josaia Vorenqe Bainimarama, attended the Forum.
14. FIPIC-III: The 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit was held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on 22 May 2023, which was hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PNG Prime Minister, James Marape. Fijian delegation led by PM Sitiveni Rabuka attended the Summit at PNG on 22 May 2023. A 12-step action plan was announced by the Hon. Prime Minister of India for the 14 Pacific Island Countries including Fiji during the 3rd FIPIC summit .On behalf of the Fijian President, H.E. Mr. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Prime Minister Rabuka bestowed Prime Minister Modi with the highest honor of the Republic of Fiji – the Companion of the Order of Fiji (CF).
15. India-PIC FMM: On 24 September 2025, India hosted the FIPIC Foreign Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of the High Level Week (HLW) of 80th UNGA in New York. From Fiji the delegation led by Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Raijeli Taga attended the meeting.
16. Visit of Prime Minister of Fiji to India for ISA Founding Conference: Fiji has become one of the first Founding Members of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) – a joint initiative of the Governments of India and France to promote solar energy. PM Bainimarama participated in the Founding Conference of the ISA held in New Delhi on 11 March 2018.
17. Interaction with PSIDS at New York: On 24 September 2019, on the sidelines of the UNGA, Prime Minister of India Hon. Narendra Modi held an interaction, first of its kind, with the leaders of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS). Dr. S. Jaishankar, Hon. External Affairs Minister of India also held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Inia Seruiratu, Minister of Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs of Republic of Fiji on the margins of the UNGA on 24 Sept 2019 at New York.
18. India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IPISDC): Government of India organized the India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IPISDC) which was held at Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva, Fiji on 25-26 May 2017. Minister of State for External Affairs Gen. (Dr.) V.K.Singh (Retd.) hosted the event. The Conference saw the participation of several high profile leaders from the 14 Pacific Island Countries. India signed MoUs for setting up of Centers of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) with Fiji, Cook Islands, Nauru, Samoa and Niue. India and Fiji also signed three MOUs for ‘Co-operation in Youth Development’, ‘Cooperation between Broadcasting Agencies’, ‘Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy’. Prasar Bharati of India also gifted programmatic content on India for telecast to all the Pacific Island Countries. India had provided US$ 1mn. towards Climate Change assistance to Fiji’s COP23 Presidency.
19. Foreign Office Consultation (FOC): The 6th round of India-Fiji FOC was held on 29 July 2025 in Suva. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) . Discussions centered around strengthening bilateral cooperation in health, education, capacity building, trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, people-to-people and cultural exchanges in order to deepen and diversify the Indo-Fiji Partnership. The Fifth round of India-Fiji FOC was held on 18 July 2022 at Suva. Secretary (East) led the Indian delegation.
Development Cooperation
20. 100 - Bedded Super Speciality Hospital: During the FIPIC III Summit, Prime Minister Modi announced the setting up of Super Specialty Hospital in Fiji. The Hospital Project will be the largest ever development project undertaken by India in the entire Pacific. This State of art hospital will be equipped with trained staff, modern facilities, and infrastructure and it will serve as a lifeline for the entire Pacific region. A 12 acre land parcel for the hospital project was offered to GOI and the MoU has been signed by both sides during the official visit of Prime Minister Rabuka to India in August 2025.
21. Solarisation of Head of State Residences: A regional Solarisation Project to improve resilience in the Pacific was signed on 1 June 2020 in Suva between United Nations Resident Coordinator and Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF). The two-year project, costing US$1.31 mn has been largely funded by Government of India – US$ 400,000 from UN Development Partnership Fund and US$700,000 from India-UN Development Partnership Fund Commonwealth Window. Under the project, Photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed at State House in Fiji and the project was launched by the EAM, Dr. S. Jaishankar on 16 February 2023 in Fiji. Photovoltaic (PV) systems were also installed at two more sites in Bau Island; the Meeting Hall (Ulunivuaka) of the Great Council of Chiefs and the official residence of Paramount Chief of the Kubuna Confederacy (Mataiwelagi) in May 2023.
22. Establishment of Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research Institute (SCORI) at Fiji: During the 2nd Summit of FIPIC held at Jaipur on 21 August 2015, it was announced that India would assist in establishing an "Institute for Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Research" in the Pacific region and a network of Marine Biology Research Stations in various island nations. It is being established in Fiji in the University of South Pacific(USP) In March 2023, a revised MoU was signed between USP and National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) , Ministry of Earth Sciences and the soft launching of the project done by the Prime Minister of India during the FIPIC III Summit in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The 1st meeting of the JWG was held on 9th July 2024, 02nd on 20th February 2025 and 03rd online meeting of JWG was held on 11 March 2025. The 1st tranche of funds have been released to USP. The last JWG was held on 14th August 2025.
23. Establishment of Mahatma Gandhi Centre of Excellence in IT: In 2021 Government of India has established a Centre of Excellence in IT at Fiji National University. The project has been implemented by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under an MoU signed between the Governments of India and Fiji.
24. Fiji becomes a member of Global Biofuel Alliance: Minister for Public Works, Govt. of Fiji, Hon. Ro Filipe Tuisawau signed the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) foundation document in New Delhi on 07th November 2024 to become the 28th member country of the GBA.
25. Cooperation in the field of sharing successful Digital Solutions: On 12th November 2024, the Government of India and the Government of Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing digital transformation through the exchange of successful, population-scale digital solutions.
26. Pharmacopoeial Cooperation: On 09th May 2025, Government of India and the Government of Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation to establish a framework for the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia as a Pharmacopoeial standard for assessing applications for market authorisation for medicinal products manufactured in India. During the official visit of Prime Minister Rabuka to India in August 2025, Fiji also signed an MOU with the GOI for setting up of Jan Aushadi Kendra in Fiji.
27. Fiji joins Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Fiji expressed its intention to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) on 22 August 2025. The same was announced during the official visit of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to India from 24 – 26 August 2025 .
Capacity Building
28. The Government of India is a committed development partner of Fiji, supporting key sectors through capacity building and human resource development. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, annual training slots for Fiji were doubled from 55 to 110 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 visit. At the FIPIC-III Summit in May 2023, PM Modi announced 1,000 Sagar Amrut Scholarships for Pacific Island Countries over five years, with 100 scholarships allocated annually to Fiji from 2023–24. Additionally, Fijian students benefit from scholarships offered by India’s Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for higher education and specialized training.
Humanitarian and Disaster Relief assistance
29. India also provides Humanitarian and Disaster Relief assistance from time to time whenever the need arises. One such example in recent past was in December 2020 when Tropical Cyclone Yasa struck Fiji. India supplied a consignment of 6 tons of relief materials consisting of 1000 sleeping mats and dignity kits airlifted from India for the cyclone-affected people which arrived in Fiji within a week of the Cyclone striking in Fiji. As follow-up assistance, India sponsored renovation of twenty schools in Fiji under Government of Fiji’s Adopt a School Programme. India also gifted five tons of vegetable seeds and contributed US$ 1 million to the Fijian Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
30. In March, 2021 Government of India donated a sum of FJD 39,602/- to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism & Transport for construction of two roadside stalls on the sides of highways of Fiji. In December 2021, India had donated Medical Supplies worth of Rs. 3,55,861.80 containing Anti- Retroviral drugs for HIV patients in Fiji and In April 2022, again provided Medical Supplies containing Anti-Retroviral drugs, PPE kits and N95 masks (125,000pcs) and Tuberculosis medicines worth of Rs. 30,45,320.00. India supplied four Mahindra twin cab vehicles (FJ$ 2,48,000) and 5500 bottles of indelible ink (INR 1,18,57,790/-) to Fiji Elections Office in 2022 to facilitate the 2022 General Election. GOI gifted 2 Mahindra Vehicles to Tavua and Rakiraki Town councils in March 2023 and Medical Supplies containing Anti-Retroviral drugs & Tuberculosis medicines worth of INR 1,07,23,960.00 in August 2023 to Ministry of Health and Medical Services. On 23rd October 2023, GOI gifted two Mobile soil testing laboratories to Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways worth FJD 179,752.30.
31. Several high impact community oriented projects undertaken by the Government of India. This includes the very successful Jaipur Foot Camp in Suva, Nadi and Labasa in which close to 600 Fijians were provided customized prosthetic limbs. A unique Parametric insurance scheme with funding from India-UN Development Partnership Fund has helped provide insurance cover and financial support to the most vulnerable households in Fiji. After the success of the pilot insurance scheme on 27 October 2023, the field launch of the Scaled up Climate and Disaster Risk Framework and Parametric Insurance project in Fiji worth of USD 700,000 was done by DPM Prasad. To help promote modern agriculture, one highly skilled experts funded by Government of India is working for Sugar industry in Fiji. In an effort to help bring in youth to agriculture sector and improve food security and livelihood, India also assisted the local Government’s “Youth Farm Initiative' (YFI) initiative
32. The High Commission handed over 05 MT black-eyed cowpea seeds to the Fiji Government on behalf of the Government of India. The consignment was handed over to Fiji Government in two tranches , one in August and second in September 2025.
Defence Cooperation
33. Defence cooperation with Fiji is largely limited to capacity building assistance and training, mostly at technical level and visit of Indian Naval Ships once in 2-3 years. Defence advisor based in Canberra has concurrent jurisdiction over Fiji.
34. In September 2022, INS Satpura made a two-day goodwill visit to Suva (Fiji). During the visit a number of social welfare activities were organized by the Mission including a Free Health Screening Camp, a Yoga session on the deck of the ship and planting over 1000 mangrove saplings. The ship was also open to members of the public for a limited period of time.
35. India and Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in 2017. Under this MoU , a five member team from Ministry of Defence led by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) visited Fiji from 17-19 July 2025 for the Inaugural Defence Joint Working Group meeting. The 1st JWG was held on 18th July 2025.
36. INS Kadmatt, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, made a goodwill visit to Suva, Fiji from 15–18 September 2025. During the visit a number of social welfare activities were organized by the Mission including a Free Health Screening Camp, a Yoga session on the deck of the ship, friendly Volleyball match with Fiji Navy and a Veilomani-Dosti concert featuring joint performances by the Indian Naval Band and the RFMF Band. The ship was also open to members of the public and for the Ministers, senior government officials and diplomatic corps on 15 and 16 September respectively. A deck reception was hosted on the ship with Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad as the Chief Guest.The ship visit concluded with a Passage exersice with the RFNS Savenaca.
Commercial and Economic Relations
37. Trade statistics apparently do not project realistically the trade happening through third countries/places such as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, etc. The bilateral trade figures of the last three financial years (1 April-31 March) are as under:
|
Year
|
Exports to India
|
Import from India
|
Balance of Trade
|
|
2023-2024
|
1.19
|
76.28
|
75.09
|
|
2024 – 2025
|
84.67
|
1.54
|
83.13
|
|
2025 – 2026 (till June 2025)
|
22.00
|
0.31
|
21.69
|
(Source: Department of Commerce, Government of India) in US$ Millions
38. Public Sector Undertakings of India in Fiji: Four Government of India undertakings, viz, New India Assurance Company Ltd. (since 1954), Life Insurance Corporation of India (since 1956), Bank of Baroda (since 1961), Water and Power Consultancy Services Ltd (Since 2015) are functioning in Fiji. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) is involved in consultancy and project work in Fiji. It is providing consultancy services for the design and specification of a 132kV transmission line, switching station, and substation for Energy Fiji Limited (EFL). Additionally, POWERGRID also provided technical support for a project developed by Indian company Sterling & Wilson for Energy Fiji Limited.
Indian Diaspora
39. The number of Indians living in Fiji is about 2300, mostly engaged in services like IT, management, finance, banking, educational, medical, hotel industry etc. As for the persons of Indian descent in Fiji, the journey of Girmit (contract for indentured labourers) started in Fiji in 1879 and ended in 1920. Indian origin population constitutes roughly one-third of the total population of 908,012 (Census - 2022). Hindi is one of the official language of Fiji.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) / Pravasi Bhartiya Samman (PBS)
40. On 12 January 2025, Swami Sanyuktanand of Fiji Sevashram Sangha received the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Award from President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in recognition of his exceptional community service at the 18th PBD. Fiji's leading NGO, Sai Prema Foundation Fiji, has been awarded the prestigious "Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2021" at the 16 t h PBD. Other PBS awardees from Fiji are: (i) Mr. Mahendra Chaudhry, former PM (2004); (ii) Golfer Mr. Vijay Singh (2005); (iii) Late Sir Moti Tika Ram, former Supreme Court Judge (2007), (iv) late Mr. Y.P. Reddy, Reddy Group Chairman and Chairman, (v) Girmit Council (2010), (vii) RamKrishna Mission (2014) (viii) late Mr Vinod Patel, businessman for social service in (2017).
Know India Programmes (KIP)
41. Know India Programme (KIP) is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs for the Indian Diaspora youth between the age group of 21-35 years. The primary objective of the KIP is to foster a closer connection between Indian diaspora youth and their ancestral homeland by augmenting their understanding of India. The Programme provides a platform for the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) youth to familiarize themselves with the contemporary India, through about three week ‘knowledge tourism’ programme providing them an exposure to different aspects of the growth and development of India. During the last five years, a large no. of Indo-Fijians have visited India through Know India Programme. 82nd KIP was held from 21 July to 08 August 2025.
Cultural Relations
42. Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre: An Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Fiji was established by GOI in 1972 (which was first ever such centre abroad). It was renamed as ‘Swami Vivekanand Cultural Centre (SVCC) in May 2018. SVCC provides classes in seven streams: Indian classical music (Karnatak, Tabla, Harmonium) and dance (Bharatnatyam, Kathak), Hindi language and Yoga. SVCC regularly organizes cultural evenings, exhibitions, film shows, workshops and discussions.
43. Namaste Pacifika- Festival of India: To mark the 70th anniversary of India’s Independence, High Commission of India organized a six-month long Festival of India named, ‘Namaste Pacifika’ from October 2017 to March 2018.
First Regional Hindi Conference
44. The first-ever Regional Hindi Conference was held at Suva on 25 January 2020 in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, Government of Fiji. The Conference was attended by Fijian, Indian as well as regional Hindi experts. The Conference also, for the first time in Fiji, attracted the largest ever gathering of Hindi teachers in Fiji.
12th World Hindi Conference
45. 12th WHC was held in Nadi from 15-17 February 2023 organized in collaboration with the Government of Fiji. EAM led the Indian delegation comprising MOS(VM), Shri V. Muraleedharan; MOS (Home Affairs), Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra; Members of Parliament, Hindi Scholars and senior officials. Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and EAM jointly inaugurated the Conference on 15 February 2023. Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, and three Deputy Prime Ministers viz. Biman Prasad, Manoa Kamikamica and Viliame Gavoka; Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro; Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh; Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh; and other senior Government officials participated in the conference from Fijian side. The Opening Ceremony saw the release of a commemorative postal stamp by the Government of Fiji. A special Samarika and five other publications were also released on the occasion. About 1000 participants from over 31 countries attended the Conference, including about 500 from India and 300 from Fiji.
Girmit Day
46. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), celebrating 75 years of India’s Independence, the High Commission of India in Suva (Fiji), in association with Post Fiji Limited, brought out a set of commemorative postage stamps and first day cover to mark the 143rd Girmit Day in Fiji. Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji Bainimarama jointly released the commemorative stamps and the first day cover with the High Commissioner of India to Fiji at a grand function held at the Suva Civic Centre to mark the 143rd Girmit Day in Fiji. Separately, the 143rd Anniversary Girmit Remembrance Day of Fiji was organised in New Delhi on 14 May 2022. MoS (External Affairs), Shri Rajkumar Ranjan Singh graced the occasion as the chief Guest at the program organized by the Resident Fijian High Commission in collaboration with the Girmitiya Foundation based in India.
47. 144th Girmit Day celebration was organized by the Fijian Government on 15 May 2023. Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Minister, was Guest of Honor at the celebrations.145th Girmit Day was Commemorated in Fiji from 11 – 13 May 2024. ICCR sponsored Bhojpuri troupe led by Ms. Vandana Shukla performed during the 3 day long celebrations.
48. 146th Girmit Day celebrations took place in Fiji from 10 – 12 May 2025. Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles attended the event as Guest of Honour. ICCR sponsored Bhojpuri troupe led by Mr. Rakesh Upadhyay performed in various places in Fiji from 09 – 18 May 2025 to mark the celebrations.
49. International Day of Yoga: Since its inaugural event in 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour every year in Fiji with participation from all walks of life and the event has been honoured by the presence of some of the highest authorities of the country, including His Excellency the President of the Republic of Fiji and the Prime Minister of Republic of Fiji.
50. On 21 June 2025, Mission organized the 11th International Day of Yoga at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance Biman Prasad graced the event as Chief Guest. The event was attended by approximately 200 yoga enthusiasts including government officials, members of diplomatic corps, Indian diaspora community members and friends of India. The IDY was also celebrated in various other towns/ cities of Fiji where people participated in great numbers.
51. Maitri Ka Amrit Mahotsav (MKAM): On 02 October 2023, Mission launched the Maitri Ka Amrit Mahotsav (MKAM), friendship festival to celebrate 75 years of India’s Diplomatic presence in Fiji. The event was attended by Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka as Chief Guest. A number of events covering various segments including culture, trade, commerce and development cooperation were organised to celebrate the year long MKAM. On 27 October 2024, During the visit of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji to Suva, Gyan Ganga series was launched to strengthen the India-Fiji friendship through Knowledge sharing.
52. Bharat Corner at Labasa Town Council Library: A Bharat Corner has been set up by the High Commission on 9th November 2024 at Labasa Town Council Library to strengthen the knowledge connect between India and Fiji. Around 150 books focusing on Indian heritage and culture have been donated to the library.
53. Yoga Centre inauguration at Labasa and Seaqaqa: High Commission, In collaboration with VanuaLevu Arya Samaj, inaugurated a Yoga Centre in Labasa on 9th November 2024 as part of PM’s 12 point action plan from 03rd FIPIC Summit to help further strengthen cooperation in preventative healthcare. Two local Yoga teachers trained in India are taking yoga classes regularly at the centre.
54. On 11 May 2025, Shri Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles [MOS(PM)] & Mr. Agni Deo Singh, Minister of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations of Government of Republic of Fiji virtually inaugurated the Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu. One Yoga teacher is taking regular classes at the centre.
55. Launch of Tamil Language Teaching Program in Fiji: The Government of India funded Tamil language teaching program was officially launched on 27 Nov 2024 at Penang Sangam School in Rakiraki, Fiji and on 18 December 2024 at Nadi. The initiative, will help revive and promote Tamil language and culture in Fiji. Two Tamil teachers from India have been deployed in the Penang Sangam school in Rakiraki and the Sangam Primary school in Labasa to conduct Tamil classes for the school students and interested community members.
