India-Fiji Relations: Deepening Defence Ties in the Indo-Pacific
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India's Foreign Policy - Act East, SAGAR; Bilateral Relations); Geography (Map Location of Fiji, Pacific Islands); Defence Terminology.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; India and its neighborhood- relations (Extended Neighborhood); Effect of policies and politics of other countries on India’s interests (China's role in the Pacific).
Key Highlights from the News
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka visited India; held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both countries decided to strengthen defense and security cooperation.
India will provide necessary training and equipment to improve Fiji's maritime security.
Both countries declared strong support for the vision of a free, open Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi stated that India views Fiji as a significant hub for cooperation with Pacific island nations.
As part of defense cooperation, both countries reached an understanding to cooperate on White Shipping Information Exchange (information sharing about commercial vessels), cyber security, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief - HADR.
India decided to open a defense wing at the Indian High Commission in Fiji and to gift two ambulances to the Fijian military.
These moves are seen as part of India's efforts to counter China's influence in the Pacific islands.
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