Suva: India’s High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta held a meeting with the Pacific island nation’s Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua on Monday, with discussions held on strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity, law enforcement, digital resilience and capacity building.
“High Commissioner Suneet Mehta paid a courtesy call on Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, Minister for Policing and Communications, reaffirming our shared commitment to deeper cooperation in cybersecurity, law enforcement, digital resilience and capacity building,” the Indian High Commission in Fiji said in a post on X.
“India and Fiji continue to work towards a safer, secure and digitally empowered future,” it added.
The Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Suva also distributed books at the DAV Boys School there.
“In line with Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering youth through education and fostering global cultural connections, High Commission of India in Suva and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Suva distributed books at DAV Boys School, Suva, Fiji — nurturing holistic development and deepening the enduring friendship between India and Fiji,” High Commission of India in Fiji posted on X.
On Sunday, the High Commissioner handed over cowpea seeds to farmers in Volivoli Village in Sigatoka, building on India’s longstanding support to Fiji’s agricultural sector.
According to the statement, previous distribution of cowpea seeds has contributed to improved harvests, enhanced food security and increased incomes for local farmers. The High Commission stated that this initiative reaffirms India’s commitment to sustainable farming, rural empowerment, and shared prosperity.
On May 8, Mehta handed over cowpea seeds from India to 100 farmers in Nadi.
“Strengthening food security and empowering local farmers. High Commissioner Suneet Mehta today officially handed over Cowpea seeds from India to 100 farmers in Nadi, in the presence of Fiji Government Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Hon. Inosi Kuridrani and Chairman of New Valley Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited Mr Vinesh Rai. This builds up on the success of cowpea seeds planted on 300 acres of land in Ra province, which has augmented farmers livelihood and enabled Fiji to become an exporter of cowpea seeds in a short span of time”, the High Commission said on X.
Ties between India and Fiji are based on mutual respect, cooperation and strong cultural andpeople-to-people ties. Indiaʼs links with Fiji started in 1879 when Indian labourers were taken to Fiji under the indenture system by the British to work on sugar-cane plantations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Over the years, India has supported Fiji in its nation-building efforts across key sectors and in the area of capacity building.
(IANS)
