India and Fiji on Monday moved to strengthen their defence ties through a broad action plan, following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka.
Speaking alongside the Fijian leader, PM Modi highlighted the shared aspirations of the two nations despite the geographical distance, noting that India and Fiji support a free, inclusive, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Rabuka arrived in Delhi on Sunday for a three-day visit, his first in India as Fiji’s Prime Minister. Fiji is considered a key partner for India in maritime security, and the two countries have been looking to broaden defence ties amid concerns over China’s growing strategic presence in the Pacific.
Following their discussions, India and Fiji signed seven agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. PM Modi said both sides had agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in defence and security, and an action plan has been prepared to implement this initiative. He added that India would provide training and equipment support to boost Fiji’s maritime security capabilities.