India and Fiji on Monday unveiled a comprehensive action plan to promote defense cooperation and promised to work together for a peaceful Indo-Pacific after a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitinavi Ligamada Rabuka.Along with the Fiji leader, PM Modi said that India and Fiji can separate the oceans, but our aspirations leave in the same boat.“In 2014, after 33 years, an Indian Prime Minister set foot on Fijian Earth. I am very happy and proud that I had this good fortune.”Recalling his journey at the time, PM Modi said, “We launched the stage for Indo-Pacific Islands Cooperation, that is, Fipic. That initiative has given new strength not only to India-Fiji relations, but also with the entire Pacific region. And today with this visit of Prime Minister Rambukaji, we are adding a new chapter to our mutual relations, “PM Modi said.Rabuka, who arrived in Delhi for a three -day visit on Sunday, is on his first visit to India as the Prime Minister of South Pacific Nation. The journey comes at a time when New Delhi is trying to deepen its maritime security participation in the Pacific region amidst China’s growing strategic impact.After the talks, both sides signed seven agreements covering cooperation in medical, skill development, trade and capacity building. PM Modi and Rabuka also condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the “strongest words”, reiterating their commitment to “zero tolerance” to terrorism. He also dismissed the “double standards” on the issue and agreed to cooperate in combating the danger.PM Modi said, “We have decided to strengthen mutual cooperation in the defense and security sector,” an action plan was already ready. He announced that India would provide training and equipment assistance to strengthen Fiji’s maritime security.PM Modi also focusing India’s focus on global South and said that India is a co-traveler in the development of Global South. He said that the two nations are working together to shape a world system that respects the freedom, thoughts and identity of the global South.Climate change, PM Modi said, “There is a major concern for Fiji and assured the support of New Delhi in disaster response.” The joint statement released after the meeting highlighted “the growing pace in bilateral defense relations” and said the two leaders outlined the importance of “independent, open, safe and inclusive Indo-Pacific sector”. It said, “He announced his intention to strengthen regional maritime security, to contribute to peace and stability in India-Pacific.”India also announced the creation of a new defense attached post at its High Commission in Fiji. Modi said that India will gift 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories.
