India to Assist Fiji in Developing a New Super Cardiology Hospital

The Government of India is working closely with Fiji Government in developing a new 100 bed Super Cardiology Hospital and dialysis centre in Fiji which is among the new initiatives announced by the India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit (FIPIC-III) held in Papua New Guinea in May 2023.

India’s comprehensive assistance to Fiji will cover every major aspect of development including health, education, economy, trade and investment, agriculture, sugar industry, human resources and climate change.

These were among the key issues discussed today at an introductory call to Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua from the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Mr Palaniswamy Subramanyan Karthigeyan. On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, Honourable Qereqeretabua acknowledged the Indian Government for the commitment made at FIPIC-III and the continued support to Fiji, over the years.

She said the new collaboration with India marks a significant footprint in the Fiji-India bilateral relations and one that greatly supports Fiji’s national development priorities.

Honourable Qereqeretabua welcomed India’s commitment to assist Fiji in renewable energy and climate change projects, trade and investment and capacity building and trainings.

India will redouble efforts on tailor made training programs offered by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) for every civil servant and Fijian who aspires to reach to their full potential in life. On multilateral cooperation, Honourable Qereqeretabua commended India’s Presidency at the G20- a platform to leverage greater support for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and accelerate 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

She reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthen relations with India, given our historical and cultural links and important contributions of Girmitiyas, which was commemorated in Fiji for the first time through the Girmit Day celebrations this year introduced by the People’s Coalition Government.

At the meeting today, High Commissioner Karthigeyan congratulated Honourable Qereqeretabua for her new appointment and pledged India’s continued collaboration.

“Following the historic meeting between Indian Prime Minister, Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka on the sidelines of the FIPIC-III Summit, the traditionally close ties between the two countries have received a huge boost.

“India and Fiji enjoy close and cordial relations built on mutual respect, cooperation and strong people-to-people ties,” High Commissioner Karthigeyan said.

He said our modern and multi-faceted development partnership has steadily expanded over the years to cover all important areas of nation-building.

“In this context, I am delighted to meet with the newly appointed Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua to discuss and further progress our partnership for progress, in the years to come,” High Commissioner Karthigeyan said.