India’s scholarship and training programmes are continuing to play a significant role in strengthening Fiji’s human resource development while deepening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers more than 3,000 scholarships annually to international students from nearly 180 countries, including Fiji, allowing students to pursue higher education across a wide range of fields in India.

Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Sumit Mehta, says the initiative is part of India’s broader commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing with Fiji and other Pacific nations.

Mehta highlighted that under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, close to 100 Fijian professionals participated in specialised training programmes last year alone. Since 2007, more than 1,000 Fijians have benefited from the programme.

He adds cooperation between the two countries also extends into the healthcare sector, with India and Fiji currently working together to establish a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva. The tender process for the project is underway, with construction expected to commence once procurement procedures are completed.

Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs, Heritage and Culture, Charan Jeath Singh, says the scholarship programmes play a vital role in Fiji’s national development by equipping recipients with internationally recognised qualifications and technical expertise.

Singh says returning scholars bring home valuable knowledge, professional skills and global perspectives that contribute directly to Fiji’s growth across multiple sectors.

He adds the programme also strengthens people-to-people ties, noting that scholars return with a deeper understanding of India’s culture, values and longstanding friendship with Fiji.

Former ISSR scholarship recipient Sherine Prasad says the programme provided not only academic opportunities but also strong welfare support during times of crisis.

Prasad, who studied in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, recalls the support extended by Banaras Hindu University, the scholarship programme and the Government of India.

She says students’ safety and wellbeing were prioritised throughout the pandemic, with authorities ensuring scholars were supported, reassured and eventually repatriated safely despite the high cost of international travel at the time.

The ongoing scholarship and training initiatives highlight education as a key pillar of Fiji-India relations, with both countries continuing to invest in people-focused development and long-term partnerships.