Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for his first official visit to India, accompanied by his spouse Suluweti Rabuka. He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar.

Rabuka is on a four-day visit from August 24 to 27, aimed at strengthening the partnership between India and Fiji across multiple sectors. His delegation includes Fiji’s Minister of Health and Medical Services, Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, along with senior officials.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Rabuka, saying, “Warm welcome to PM Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji as he arrives in New Delhi on his first visit. PM Rabuka was received by MoS Education & DoNER Sukanta Majumdar at the airport. The visit will further deepen the India-Fiji partnership across diverse sectors.”

Fiji PM’s India Schedule
On August 25, Rabuka will pay homage at Rajghat before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, followed by an exchange of MoUs and press statements. He will later call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On August 26, the Fijian leader will deliver a lecture at Sapru House, organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs. His visit will conclude with his departure on August 27.

India-Fiji Relations
India’s ties with Fiji date back to 1879 when Indian laborers, known as Girmitiyas, were taken to the island nation under the indenture system to work on sugarcane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916, nearly 60,553 Indians were transported to Fiji. The indenture system was abolished in 1920. India had a Commissioner in Fiji since 1948, which was upgraded to a High Commission after Fiji gained independence in 1970.