Fiji PM Rabuka Begins 3-Day Visit to India

Fiji, a small Pacific nation, has a significant Indian diaspora, with more than a third of its population of Indian origin. The first Indians arrived there in 1879 as indentured labourers, known as Girmitiyas.

India has been stepping up its development assistance to Pacific island nations amid China’s growing influence in the region. Last year, New Delhi announced plans to set up a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Fiji’s capital Suva. Two years ago, India and Fiji agreed to enhance cooperation in health, education, infrastructure, renewable energy, information technology, and agriculture.

President Droupadi Murmu had visited Fiji last year, where she addressed the Fijian Parliament and interacted with lawmakers, many of whom are of Indian descent. During his visit, Rabuka will also call on President Murmu and deliver a lecture titled “Ocean of Peace” at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi.

Rabuka, who as a young Army Lieutenant Colonel staged a coup in 1987 that toppled Fiji’s democratically elected government, was once viewed as hostile to India and Fijians of Indian origin. However, his policies and approach towards India have changed significantly since then.