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Key Points

MoS Pabitra Margherita met Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss bilateral cooperation after attending the 146th Girmit Day celebrations. He honored the legacy of Girmitiyas, whose sacrifices shaped Fiji’s multicultural society. Margherita also inaugurated a Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa, reinforcing cultural ties. His visit highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening relations with Fiji.

Key Points: MoS Pabitra Margherita Meets Fiji PM Rabuka After Girmit Day Celebrations

  • MoS Margherita meets Fiji PM Rabuka post-Girmit Day
  • Honors Girmitiyas' resilience and contributions
  • Inaugurates Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa
  • Strengthens India-Fiji cultural and diplomatic ties
3 min read

MoS Pabitra Margherita calls on Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

MoS Pabitra Margherita discusses India-Fiji ties with PM Sitiveni Rabuka, honors Girmitiyas legacy, and inaugurates Yoga Centre in Fiji.

"Honoured to call on H.E. @slrabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji, in Labasa following the Girmit Day celebrations. Had meaningful discussions on deepening India-Fiji bilateral cooperation across key sectors. – Pabitra Margherita"

Labasa, May 13

Union Minister of State of External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, called on the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, after having participated in the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as the Guest of Honour.

The two leaders held discussions on the deepening of ties and cooperation across key sectors.

In a post on X, the MoS said, "Honoured to call on H.E. @slrabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji, in Labasa following the Girmit Day celebrations. Had meaningful discussions on deepening India-Fiji bilateral cooperation across key sectors."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1922127973630804094

Through a series of posts on X, he shared several engagements he was a part of during his visit to Fiji.

In his address as the Guest of Honour for the 146th Girmit Day celebrations, MoS Margherita paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas-- whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji.

"Honoured to join the 146th Girmit Day celebrations in Fiji as Guest of Honour, alongside Chief Guest H.E. @slrabuka, Hon. @FijianPM. In my address, I paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Girmitiyas -- whose resilience, sacrifice, and spirit laid the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive Fiji."

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1921851411546927409

Along with PM Sitiveni Rabuka, he also presented awards to the descendants of Girmityas.

MoS Margherita thanked the Government of Fiji for recognising their contributions by declaring Girmit Day a National Holiday

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1921934753034379565

On Monday, he virtually participated in the inauguration of the Yoga Centre in Seaqaqa. The centre is representative of the strong historical and cultural ties of India and Fiji and will promote holistic health and wellness.

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1921832492467937327

He had also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora.

https://x.com/PmargheritaBJP/status/1921765687732646325

MoS Margherita was on a visit to New Zealand and Fiji from May 8-12, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an earlier statement.

India's links with Fiji commenced in 1879 when Indian labourers were brought here under the indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916, around 60,553 Indians were brought to Fiji. Beginning with the early 20th century, Indian traders and others also started arriving in Fiji. In 1920, the indenture system was abolished. Before Fiji's independence in 1970, India had a Commissioner since 1948, who was later upgraded to High Commissioner after independence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Great to see India strengthening ties with Fiji! The Girmitiyas' story is truly inspiring - their struggles built bridges between our nations. More cultural exchanges like the Yoga Centre will benefit both countries. 🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope such visits translate to concrete benefits for Indian diaspora communities there. Many still face challenges in Fiji - would like to see more focus on their welfare and rights.
A
Amit S.
The historical connection through Girmitiyas is fascinating! My great-grandfather was among those who went to Fiji. Glad to see our government honoring this shared heritage. More documentaries should be made about this chapter of history.
S
Sunita R.
Yoga Centre inauguration is a brilliant soft power move! 👏 This is how we should build international relations - through culture and wellness rather than just politics. Hope to see more such initiatives in Pacific nations.
V
Vikram J.
Fiji may be small, but strategically important in the Indo-Pacific. Smart diplomacy by MoS Margherita. India needs more such engagements with island nations to counter Chinese influence in the region. #NeighbourhoodFirst
N
Neha T.
The photos with descendants of Girmitiyas are heartwarming ❤️. Our shared history binds us together. Would love to see more student exchange programs between India and Fiji - the younger generation should know this beautiful connection.

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