India- Fiji Islands Relation

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• India and Fiji unveiled initiatives to bolster defence and maritime security cooperation, including the creation of a Defence Attache post at the High Commission of India in Suva, which will also cover the Pacific Islands.
  • There is a growing momentum in bilateral ties aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

India-Fiji Ties

• Historical Relations: The India-Fiji relations began in 1879. Over the next four decades, approximately 60,553 Indians were brought to work on sugarcane plantations, laying the foundation for a vibrant Indian diaspora known as Girmitiyas.
• FIPIC: In 2014, the Indian Prime Minister visited Fiji; this visit, coinciding with the inaugural Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, cemented India’s commitment to the Pacific region.
  • The Forum saw participation of 14 Pacific Island Countries.
• Trade Relations: The bilateral trade stood at approximately US$68 million in 2024-2025, which includes US$65.05 million in exports to Fiji from India.
• Developmental Partnership: The solarisation project at the State House, the cogeneration plant, and initiatives in healthcare and education reflect India’s commitment to Fiji’s sustainable development.

• Diaspora: The Girmit Day commemorations in Fiji mark the arrival of the first Indian labourers.
  • The number of Indians living in Fiji is about 2300, mostly engaged in services like IT, management, finance, banking, education, medical, the hotel industry, etc.  
  • Hindi is one of the official languages of Fiji.
• Multilateral Forums: Fiji has joined both the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
  • It collaborates with India at the UN, Commonwealth, and other multilateral fora on issues like climate change, sustainable development, and ocean governance.

About Fiji

• Location: Republic of Fiji is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and north of New Zealand.
• Composition: About 330 islands and over 500 islets & reefs. Around 110 islands are inhabited.
• Capital: Suva (on Viti Levu island).
• Political Structure: Parliamentary democracy, member of the Commonwealth.
• Major Islands: 
  • Viti Levu: Largest island, home to capital Suva and ~70% of population.
  • Vanua Levu: Second largest island.

Source: PIB