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India-Fiji Strengthen Ties: Envoy Meets Parliament Speaker, Reviews Key Projects

India's High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, held a meeting with Fiji Parliament Speaker Filimone Jitoko to discuss strengthening bilateral and parliamentary cooperation. This follows recent meetings where Mehta reviewed progress on the India-supported Tubalevu Ground Water Supply Project and discussed economic cooperation with Fiji's Finance Minister. The bilateral relationship, significantly boosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 visit, is based on mutual respect and strong people-to-people ties. India has been a consistent partner in Fiji's nation-building efforts across various sectors.

Key Points: India, Fiji Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation & Projects

  • High-level diplomatic meeting in Suva
  • Review of India-supported Tubalevu water project
  • Discussions on strengthening parliamentary cooperation
  • Focus on mutual interests in finance and development
2 min read

Indian envoy, Fiji Parliament Speaker discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation

Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta meets Fiji Parliament Speaker Filimone Jitoko, reviews water supply project, discusses advancing bilateral ties.

"Productive discussions were held reaffirming strong parliamentary ties and avenues to further advance bilateral cooperation. - India's High Commission in Fiji"

Suva, Feb 2

India's High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta held a meeting with Fiji Parliament Speaker Filimone Jitoko on Monday, discussing strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Following their talks, India's High Commission in Fiji in a post on X stated, "High Commissioner Suneet Mehta was honored to call on the Speaker of the Fiji Parliament, Hon. Filimone Jitoko. Productive discussions were held reaffirming strong parliamentary ties and avenues to further advance bilateral cooperation."

On January 27, Suneet Mehta chaired the second meeting of the Project Steering Committee to review the Quick Impact Project (QIP)- "Tubalevu Ground Water Supply Project," being supported by India.

In a post on X, Indian Commission in Fiji wrote, "High Commissioner Suneet Mehta chaired the 2nd meeting of the Project Steering Committee to review the Quick Impact Project (QIP)- 'Tubalevu Ground Water Supply Project,' being supported by India. Representatives from the Fiji Government, Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Fiji Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Public Works attended the meeting. Work on the ground has already commenced which will provide water supply to the residents of Tubalevu, further strengthening India and Fiji ties."

On January 19, Suneet Mehta called on Fiji's Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel and discussed strengthening ties and enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interest.

"High Commissioner Suneet Mehta paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Esrom Immanuel today. Productive discussions were held focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interest.

Ties between India and Fiji are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural and people to people ties. The bilateral relationship received a major boost after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Fiji in November 2014, when the First Meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC) was also held, according to Indian High Commission in Fiji. Over the years, India has supported Fiji in its nation building efforts across key sectors and also in the area of capacity building.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Our historical and cultural connections with Fiji are so strong. Many Fijians have Indian ancestry. It's heartening to see this relationship being nurtured through parliamentary and development cooperation. More people-to-people exchanges would be wonderful.
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the engagement, I hope our focus on Fiji and the Pacific islands is consistent and not just reactive to other global powers increasing their presence there. Long-term, sustainable partnerships matter more than quick headlines.
M
Michael C
Interesting read. As someone living in Australia, I see Fiji's strategic importance in the Pacific. India's soft power approach with projects like water supply is a smart way to build influence. The 2014 FIPIC summit was a key moment.
S
Sneha F
Jai Hind! Our diplomats are doing great work. Capacity building and infrastructure support are areas where India has genuine expertise to share. Hope to see more students from Fiji coming to study in Indian universities as part of this cooperation.
K
Karthik V
Good step. But I wish our media would cover these positive foreign policy stories with the same enthusiasm as border disputes. Building friendships across the world is crucial for a rising India. More coverage of Africa and Latin America too, please.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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