Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Lauding the ties between India and Fiji, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on August 25 that the two nations share a deep bond of same aspirations despite being oceans apart. He welcomed his Fiji counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement of Girmit Day and highlighted the contribution of Girmitiyas to prosperity of Fiji.
Addressing a joint press conference following his talks with Rabuka, PM Modi stated, “India and Fiji share a deep bond of affection. In the 19th century, more than 60,000 Girmitiya brothers and sisters from India contributed to the prosperity of Fiji with their hard work and sweat. They have added new colours to Fiji’s social and cultural diversity. They have constantly strengthened Fiji’s unity and integrity and at the same time, they have also remained connected to their roots and preserved their culture. The tradition of Fiji’s Ramayana Mandali is a living proof of this. I welcome Prime Minister Rabuka’s announcement of Girmit Day, it is a tribute to our shared history. This is a tribute to our shared history. It is a tribute to the memories of our past generations.”
PM Modi emphasised that India and Fiji support a free, inclusive, open and secure Indo-Pacific. He called India and Fiji “partners” in building a world order where the independence, ideas and identity of the Global South are respected.
