A new direct flight with India is important for Fiji, considering the cultural similarities.

In an exclusive interview with Fiji One News, Fijian High Commissioner to India His Excellency Jagnath Sami emphasized the cultural, historical, and economic ties between Fiji and India, stating that the air link will enhance cooperation in trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections.

With a large portion of Fiji’s population tracing their ancestry to India, a new direct route will make travel more convenient for Indo-Fijians, fostering personal connections and deepening cultural bonds.

“Direct flight is very important. This will help in promoting tourism. We need to lift our marketing here in India as well”, Sami said.

The High Commisioner expressed optimism that the flight would open doors for more direct investments from India into Fiji, especially in sectors like technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.

“I think more tourist from India will go to Fiji if we establish this,” Sami said.

“We are also in talks with film makers and group tours to showcase our island nation to the world”, he added.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Prof Biman Prasad says talks are well underway to establish the air route with India.

“Everything is on the table, as I said, the relationship is developing, and we expect it to be much bigger relationship in the future”, Professor Prasad said.

“The Prime Minister has mentioned it many times, when Her Excellency the Indian President was here two months ago. He made the position clear, particularly the relationship between Fiji and India and how that relationship has strengthen in the last 18 months that we’ve been in government”, he added.