New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in Delhi, focusing on enhancing India-Fiji bilateral relations.
Jaishankar shared details of their meeting on X, stating:
Pleased to meet DPM Manoa Kamikamica of Fiji today in Delhi.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 29, 2024
Glad to hear his positive impressions of cooperatives and other development programs in India. Discussed the potential of organic farming, technology applications and digital tools. Value his support for taking our… pic.twitter.com/uZyKjgYyWi
“Pleased to meet DPM Manoa Kamikamica of Fiji today in Delhi. Glad to hear his positive impressions of cooperatives and other development programs in India.”
The conversation touched on key areas such as organic farming, technological applications, and digital tools. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for Kamikamica’s support in strengthening India-Fiji ties.
Solar Project Collaboration and Indo-Pacific Focus
This high-level meeting follows the recent signing of a Project Implementation Agreement between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the International Solar Alliance to operationalize a solar initiative worth USD 2 million. The project, targeting Fiji and other Indo-Pacific nations like Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles, is part of India’s commitment under the Quad Climate Working Group initiative.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s dedication to renewable energy and just energy transitions in island nations of the Indo-Pacific.
India-Fiji Bilateral Relationship
The strong relationship between India and Fiji dates back to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Fiji in 2014, where the first Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) was convened.
India has supported Fiji’s nation-building efforts through:
- Capacity Building: Training and education programs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) initiative.
- Scholarships: Offered by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Humanitarian Aid: Providing disaster relief when required.
Warm Ties and Mutual Development
The collaboration reflects warm relations based on mutual respect, cultural connections, and people-to-people ties. The recent developments highlight India’s ongoing efforts to assist Fiji across critical sectors while fostering closer Indo-Pacific partnerships.
The meeting underscores India’s role as a reliable partner for sustainable development in the region.