The story of India and Fiji begins with the Girmitiya laborers who journeyed from Indian ports to Fiji’s sugarcane fields between 1879 and 1916. Under the indentured system during British rule, these workers planted the seeds of a profound connection that now spans culture, economy, and geopolitics.
Fiji, an archipelago of over 300 islands where about 100 are inhabited, boasts a 2025 population of 933,154, with Indian descendants making up 30-40%. Formal diplomatic relations kicked off in 1970, marked by India’s high commission in Suva. Collaboration thrives in scholarships for Fijian youth, healthcare initiatives, IT training, and skill development programs.
PM Modi’s accolade with the Companion of the Order of Fiji underscores the warmth. Culturally, Hindi echoes across Fiji, Diwali lights up the nation, Holi colors its streets, and Indian wellness practices like yoga gain popularity alongside Bollywood’s allure.
In the Pacific theater, Fiji aligns with India’s strategic outreach. Aid targets climate change mitigation, disaster preparedness, and sea security. Bilateral trade features Indian exports of packed medicines, apparel, boilers, chemicals, grains, plastics, and cosmetics, countered by Fijian gold, machines, lead ores, foods, and plastics to India.
As history evolves, this partnership exemplifies resilience, mutual respect, and shared futures in a dynamic region.
