Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, President of the Republic of Fiji, received the Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, Shri Pabitra Margherita, at State House on Sunday, 12 May 2025, during the Minister’s first official visit to Fiji.

President Lalabalavu extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Government and people of Fiji, highlighting the enduring historical and cultural ties between Fiji and India. While formal diplomatic relations were established 54 years ago, the President noted that the relationship traces back 146 years to the arrival of the first indentured laborers from India.

Speaking during Fiji’s Girmit Day commemoration, President Lalabalavu reflected on the long-standing connections between the two countries. “Fiji is home to a large diaspora of Indian origin, and the bonds we share- culturally and historically- remain strong across generations,” he said.

The meeting also focused on key areas of bilateral cooperation including trade, health, agriculture, education, and climate change.

The President stressed the shared impact of climate change on both nations. “Despite our geographic distance, the climate crisis affects us equally. Fiji cannot fight this battle alone- we rely on partners like India,” he said, commending India’s global climate leadership and its investment in Fiji’s green energy transition, including the ongoing solarisation of State House.

Minister Margherita expressed gratitude for the hospitality received during his visit, referring to Fiji as “God’s own country.” He outlined India’s continuing development support to Fiji, including plans for a 100-bed super-specialty cardiology hospital in Nasinu and a forthcoming memorandum of understanding on pharmacopeia.

The Minister also encouraged greater uptake of India’s scholarship programs by Fijian students, noting that only 75% of available scholarships are currently used.

Before departing State House, the Minister toured the solarisation project- symbolic of the two nations’ shared commitment to sustainable development.