Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad, has reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to working with India to promote peace, security, and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific, emphasising that this partnership marks an important step towards declaring the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace.
While speaking at the deck reception onboard INS Kadmatt at the Suva Port, Professor Prasad says the ship’s arrival is more than a ceremonial visit.
He says it is a celebration of friendship, of trust, and of the enduring partnership between Fiji and India.
Professor Prasad says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his strong support for the Ocean of Peace and has welcomed its alignment with India’s foreign policy priorities of promoting peace.
He adds that the arrival of INS Kadmatt represented a significant step in advancing India’s cooperation towards this vision.
INS Kadmatt Commanding Officer, Commander Kutuhal Limaye says the ship is here to honour the warm welcome that was extended by Prime Minister Rabuka as part of bilateral statement in Delhi last month, giving credence to India's commitment to support Fiji.
He says he is sure INS Kadmatt's visit would take a flourishing friendship forward.
Commander Limaye says INS Kadmatt has travelled nearly 7,000 nautical miles, transiting through four seas and five time zones to reach here on the eastern edge of the world.
He says this journey strengthens the notion that it is the oceans and their ubiquity that unites us.
The Commander also says our connection is also because of the seas and the brave journey that the Girmitiyas took nearly 150 years ago.
He says their contribution in shifting Fiji's multicultural identity, diverse society and economy is perhaps the reason why Indo-Fiji bond is special and strong.
Commander Limaye also says during their stay, they will discuss maritime issues and find avenues that could help both our Navies to grow together and exchange notes with Fiji Navy on subjects such as climate control and biopharmaceuticals.
They will also be undertaking a speed capacity building or capability enhancement operation.
Meanwhile, the ship’s medical team, in collaboration with the Fijian medical team, is hosting a free public health screening until 1pm at Albert Park.
Fiji and Indian Navy officers will also play cricket at Albert Park at volleyball at LICI Court.
INS Kadmatt leaves early tomorrow morning.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
