India to Boost Fiji’s Maritime Security with Training and Equipment, Says PM Modi

India will provide training and equipment to strengthen Fiji’s maritime security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Welcoming Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Mr. Modi highlighted India and Fiji’s commitment to a “free, open” Indo-Pacific as both sides confirmed India’s support in building the capacity of Fiji’s armed forces.

Commitment to the Indo-Pacific

“In our cooperation with the Pacific island nations, we see Fiji as a hub. Both our countries strongly support a free, open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We warmly welcome India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative,” Mr. Modi said while announcing the new collaboration.

A joint statement noted that both nations stressed their “shared interests in advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity.”

Mr. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the priority areas outlined in the 2017 MoU on Defence Cooperation and pledged support for Fiji’s strategic goals.

The agreement includes cooperation on UN peacekeeping operations, military medicine, the White Shipping Information Exchange, and capacity-building for Fijian forces.

Fiji’s Strategic Concerns

Prime Minister Rabuka emphasised the need to protect Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and welcomed India’s support. The joint statement also said, “Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the planned port call by an Indian naval ship to Fiji, which will enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability.”

Mr. Modi further announced the gifting of two ambulances to Fiji’s military and the inauguration of the defence wing in the High Commission of India in Suva.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in cybersecurity, including the creation of a cybersecurity training cell in Fiji.

Expanding Defence Cooperation

India and Fiji will also collaborate in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and advanced technology sectors.

The two sides agreed to deepen defence cooperation through new initiatives, including the establishment of a Defence Attache post in Suva, who will cover the Pacific Islands.

The joint statement reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to a “free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region” while strengthening regional maritime security.

Geopolitical Context

In July, Mr. Rabuka had opposed China’s reported plans to build a naval base in the Pacific islands and had cautioned against rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Reflecting this stance, the India-Fiji joint statement reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Acknowledging Historical Ties

Mr. Modi paid tribute to the contribution of Indian indentured labourers who migrated to Fiji between 1879 and 1916.

“They have added a new colour to the social and cultural diversity of Fiji, and have continuously strengthened the unity and integrity of the nation,” Mr. Modi said.

New Agreements and MoUs

During delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House, the two countries signed seven MoUs. These included an agreement for building a super-speciality hospital in Fiji and another on migration and mobility.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism and condemned the April 20 terror attack in Pahalgam.

Mr. Modi further expressed India’s support for Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Fiji to provide affordable generic medicines. Under the ‘Heal in India’ programme, India will offer specialised medical care in Indian hospitals for up to 10 Fijians to support Fiji’s overseas medical referral initiative.

Shared Aspirations

“India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but aspirations of both the nations sail in the same boat,” Prime Minister Modi said, standing alongside Mr. Rabuka, who is on a three-day official visit to India, his first since becoming Fiji’s prime minister in 2022.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, “there is a growing momentum in bilateral ties aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Cybersecurity and Maritime Security

Mr. Modi also announced the gifting of two sea ambulances to the Fijian military and confirmed the establishment of a cybersecurity training cell in Fiji. He expressed support for Mr. Rabuka’s “Ocean of Peace” initiative.

MEA Secretary (South) Neena Malhotra stated, “We are essentially focusing on enhancing the maritime capabilities of Fiji so that they could deal with the challenges of security in the region, which is also disaster management because their countries are vulnerable to natural disasters and cyclones.”

Further Cooperation

Alongside defence, New Delhi and Suva exchanged nine agreements, including on hospital construction, the supply of medicines under the Jan Aushadhi scheme, and migration and mobility.

During his visit, Prime Minister Rabuka also met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On Tuesday, he will visit the UIDAI headquarters, the National Defence College, and a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. He is also scheduled to deliver a lecture on “Ocean of Peace” at the Indian Council of World Affairs.