Long-standing bilateral ties between Fiji and India are built on people-to-people linkages – Indian External Affairs Secretary

A large part of the close and long-standing bilateral ties between Fiji and India is built on people-to-people linkages, as almost a third of the Fijian population traced their roots to India.

Secretary East of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar highlighted this during the media briefing at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Mazumdar says Indo-Fijians have retained their culture, traditions and language but with a typical Fijian flavour.

He says the Indian President Droupadi Murmu appreciated the declaration of a national holiday on the occasion of Girmit celebrations every year, and that Hindi is now one of the official languages of Fiji.

The Secretary East says the 100-bedded super speciality hospital will be a critical infrastructure for public good which will bring a paradigm change in the delivery of quality and affordable health care, not just in Fiji, but in the entire Pacific region.

Mazumdar further says another important outcome of this visit was the allocation of land by the Fijian Government for the construction of the High Commission premises and the Indian Cultural Centre.

He adds the visit not only reinforces the long-standing friendship between India and Fiji but also sets the stage for elevating the multifaceted partnership with Fiji to the next phase.