Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and Relation with other Countries, Issue: India-Fiji Relations.
Context:
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is on a three-day official visit to India. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties, focusing on maritime security and defence cooperation, while jointly supporting a free, open, inclusive, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Foundations:
- Indenture System (1879–1920): The first group of Indian laborers, known as Girmitiyas, arrived in Fiji in 1879 to work on sugarcane plantations.
- Around 60,553 Indians were brought under this system.
- Diaspora Growth: Over time, Indian traders and professionals also settled, enriching Fiji’s cultural and economic fabric.
- Present Diaspora: Today, about 300,000 people of Indian origin (37% of Fiji’s population), along with 2,300 Indian nationals, serve as a living bridge between the two nations.
Diplomatic Engagement:
- Early Diplomacy: India set up a Commissioner’s office in 1948, even before Fiji’s independence in 1970, to safeguard diaspora interests.
- High Commissions: Post-independence, India upgraded to a High Commission; Fiji opened its own in New Delhi in 2004.
- Challenges & Resilience: India’s High Commission and Cultural Centre were closed after the 1987 coups but reopened in 1999 (HC) and 2005 (Cultural Centre).
| About FIJI: Location: Island nation in Melanesia, part of Oceania, situated in the South Pacific Ocean. Colonial History: British colony from 1874 to 1970; gained independence in 1970.Formation: Most islands created by volcanic activity about 150 million years ago.Climate Type: Tropical marine; Warm year-round, with minimal seasonal extremes.Major rivers: Rewa, Navua, Sigatoka (Singatoka), Ba (Mba). Highest Peak: Mount Tomanivi. |
- Civil and Defence Engagements: Besides military cooperation, the two countries signed seven MoUs during the visit covering areas such as building a super-specialty hospital in Fiji, migration, mobility, counter-terrorism collaboration, and cybersecurity training.
- Symbolic Measures: India will open a defence wing in the Indian High Commission in Suva, reflecting growing strategic ties.
- Additionally, India announced gifting two ambulances to Fiji’s military and supporting port visits of Indian naval ships for interoperability exercises.
India – Fiji Relations: Cultural, Development, and Strategic ties:
Conclusion:
The enhanced India-Fiji partnership symbolizes a strategic convergence aimed at safeguarding regional security and promoting prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s support in maritime security, defence training, healthcare, and cybersecurity reflects its growing role as a partner in the Pacific islands.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-fiji-decide-to-boost-defence-ties/article69974463.ece
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