Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
Fiji PM Voices Support in Delhi
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka has voiced his support for India as Washington puts pressure with steep tariffs. During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Rabuka told Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Somebody is not very happy with you, but you are big enough to weather those discomforts.” He was referring to the United States’ decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, a move widely viewed as punitive and set to take effect on August 27.
Call for Global Cooperation
Rabuka shared this exchange following his lecture on the “Ocean of Peace” at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). He highlighted that smaller nations often feel the consequences when larger powers clash: “Whatever is happening out there is impacting us,” he said, using a metaphor of a family where even the smallest members feel the ripple.
Strengthening India–Fiji Ties
He also praised Modi’s leadership in advancing peace in the Indo-Pacific and underlined that Fiji and India have agreed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors—including defence, maritime security, trade, health, digital technology, and capacity building. An action plan has been put in place to strengthen defence ties and collaborative efforts toward a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Ocean of Peace Vision
Rabuka, on a three-day visit to India, encouraged global and regional bodies including the United Nations to adopt and promote the “Ocean of Peace” vision. He noted that leaders like China’s Xi Jinping and others have welcomed the idea, reinforcing its relevance beyond the Pacific.
