Fiji PM Rabuka to Modi on U.S. Tariffs: ‘Somebody Is Not Very Happy With You’

Against the backdrop of the United States imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka on Tuesday (August 26, 2025) revealed that he had conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that somebody is “not very happy with you.”

“But then you are big enough to weather those discomforts,” Mr. Rabuka told PM Modi during their recent meeting.

Rabuka’s Remarks in New Delhi

The Fijian leader shared details of his exchange with PM Modi during an interaction with the audience after delivering a lecture on Ocean of Peace at Sapru House in New Delhi. The event was hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).

Mr. Rabuka arrived in Delhi on Sunday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening Fiji’s ties with India in areas such as maritime security, trade, health, digital technology, and capacity building.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

On Monday, India and Fiji agreed on an action plan to enhance defence cooperation and jointly work towards a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Mr. Modi and Mr. Rabuka held talks that focused on broadening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

After his ICWA lecture, Mr. Rabuka was asked about his bilateral discussions with world leaders and their views on his “Ocean of Peace” vision.

Rabuka on Global Engagements

“I have not had any personal interaction with the President of the United States. I have asked for a bilateral meeting with the President of Russia. I have had bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of the U.K…,” Mr. Rabuka said.

He added, “Prime Minister Modi echoed our sentiments and the concept, when we spoke yesterday.”

Referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping, he noted that in their earlier discussions, both this year and last year, the idea had been taken up.

The Ocean of Peace Vision

“A lot of people, big leaders of big nations have… and that’s why I brought this concept of the ‘family’, and the youngest or the smallest member of the family not comfortable, and everybody sits up and listen,” Mr. Rabuka said.

Explaining the importance of his idea, he said, “Because, whatever is happening out there, is impacting us.”

He connected this to India’s situation: “Now, what is happening out there is impacting your relationship with the United States. The recent announcements of tariffs and some things that are coming towards Prime Minister Modi’s direction… I told him the other day, somebody is not very happy with you, but then you are big enough to weather those discomforts.”

US Tariffs and Strained Relations

Relations between India and the United States have faced strain after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods. This included an additional 25% duty imposed on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

The steep 50% tariff on Indian goods entering the US is set to take effect from August 27. The move will severely affect several labour-intensive export sectors, including shrimp, apparel, leather, and gems and jewellery.

Rabuka’s First Visit in Current Role

This trip marked Prime Minister Rabuka’s first visit to India in his current capacity. On Monday, he and PM Modi held what the Ministry of External Affairs described as “comprehensive and forward-looking discussions” covering the full range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.

“Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the concept of the ‘Ocean of Peace’ which emphasises building a peaceful, stable, secure, and sustainable future and well-being for our region.

Prime Minister Modi commended Prime Minister Rabuka for his leadership in championing ‘Ocean of Peace’ in the Pacific Region,” the joint statement said.

Address at ICWA

At the ICWA event, Mr. Rabuka reiterated the importance of spreading the “Ocean of Peace” vision globally. “Our job is to take it to the world that we have declared this concept of ‘Ocean of Peace’ in the Pacific. It is up to the United Nations…to embrace it and take it up, for regional leaders to embrace it and take it up…in regional concepts and regional leaders’ meetings, and, hopefully, we can spread peace.”

He underlined that the vision rests on multiple pillars of peace, stability, and sustainability.

India as a Key Partner

Mr. Rabuka emphasised India’s role in this effort. “In this effort, India is an important partner… Fiji and India can work together to ensure that the vision of the Pacific as an ‘Ocean of Peace’, becomes a reality not only for our region, but as a contribution to global peace and stability,” the Fijian Prime Minister said.

Through his visit and remarks, Mr. Rabuka placed Fiji’s Pacific vision in the global spotlight, while also acknowledging the challenges India faces amid growing trade tensions with the United States.