Seven agreements signed as PM Modi, PM Rabuka chart new course for cooperation

India will support Fiji in strengthening its disaster response systems and expanding renewable energy infrastructure, while also deepening defence and security ties. The commitments were announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka in New Delhi on 25 August.

“Climate change is a threat for Fiji; we will help it deal with disaster response. India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but our aspirations sail in the same boat,” said Modi at the joint press meet. He added that both nations are committed to building a free, inclusive, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

During the meeting, the two countries signed seven agreements covering areas including disaster management, renewable energy, defence cooperation and capacity building. Modi described Fiji as a partner in the Global South, stressing: “We are partners in building a world order where the independence, ideas and identity of the Global South are respected.”

Rabuka, who arrived in New Delhi on 24 August for a three-day visit—his first to India as prime minister—will deliver a lecture at Sapru House on 26 August at an event organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs. His visit concludes on 27 August.

India and Fiji agreed to expand cooperation in clean energy under the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This includes setting up a STAR-Centre at Fiji National University through a tripartite memorandum of understanding with ISA, alongside a Country Partnership Framework to scale solar deployment in priority sectors.

India also reaffirmed support for Fiji’s resilience-building under the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) framework, with assistance in technical training, capacity building and advocacy. Modi acknowledged Fiji’s active membership in the ISA, CDRI and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), calling the collaboration vital for advancing sustainable growth across the Indo-Pacific.

Beyond climate and energy, the leaders agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation. The initiatives are seen as part of India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, where climate diplomacy and renewable infrastructure are increasingly integrated with security partnerships.
By emphasising climate resilience, renewable energy and defence, the India-Fiji partnership underscores a growing synergy between development and strategic cooperation in the Pacific region.