India and Fiji Deepen Defence Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

India and Fiji Deepen Defence Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific\n\nIn a significant development, India and Fiji have strengthened their bilateral defence ties, with a focus on maritime cooperation and defence industry collaboration. The move is seen as a major step towards solidifying their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive & secure Indo-Pacific.\n\nThe discussions took place during a meeting between Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Mason Smith, in New Delhi on September 28, 2026. The meeting coincided with the 2nd India Fiji Bilateral Joint Working Group, which aims to promote shared values of peace, democracy, and cooperation between the two nations.\n\nAccording to the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation, including greater defence industry collaboration. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive & secure Indo-Pacific.\n\nThe meeting also saw Smith lay a wreath at the National War Memorial and pay tribute to India's bravehearts. In the visitors book, he wrote, 'Today is a solemn occasion to remember and honour their courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy. We also reaffirm our shared commitment to the values of peace, democracy and enduring cooperation between Fiji and India.'\n\nThis development comes on the heels of a meeting between India's High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, and Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, which took place on September 8. The meeting discussed cooperation between the two nations in agriculture, health, trade, business, and economic sectors.\n\nIn a statement released by the Indian High Commission in Fiji, Mehta expressed his pleasure at meeting Kamikamica and discussed ways to deepen the longstanding and multifaceted India–Fiji partnership. The meeting covered areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, health, trade, business, and economic cooperation.\n\nLast month, Mehta met Fiji's Minister of Land and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, with discussions held on cooperation in the mineral sector, capacity building, and further strengthening bilateral partnership.\n\nThe strengthening of defence ties between India and Fiji is a significant development in the region. It reflects the shared commitment of both nations to a free, open, inclusive & secure Indo-Pacific. The move is expected to promote greater cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in the defence sector.\n\nIn conclusion, the strengthening of defence ties between India and Fiji is a major step towards solidifying their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive & secure Indo-Pacific. The move is expected to promote greater cooperation and collaboration between the two nations in the defence sector, and contribute to regional stability and security.