Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. 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.
Speaking at the deck reception onboard INS Kadmatt at the Suva Port last night, Hon. Prasad said the ship’s arrival was more than a ceremonial visit.
“This occasion is not only a celebration of a ship’s visit. It is a celebration of friendship, of trust, and of the enduring partnership between Fiji and India,” the Acting Prime Minister said.
He highlighted that Pacific leaders had endorsed Fiji’s proposal for the Blue Pacific to be declared an Ocean of Peace at their meeting in Honiara last week.
“When Fiji and India’s Prime Ministers met recently in Delhi, they discussed our foundational idea of an Ocean of Peace. Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed his strong support for this vision and welcomed its alignment with India’s foreign policy priorities of promoting peace,” Hon. Prasad said.
He added that the arrival of INS Kadmatt represented a significant step in advancing India’s cooperation towards this vision.
“This visit underscores India’s support for promoting the Blue Pacific as an Ocean of Peace, an ocean that is welcoming to all and that respects the sovereignty and interests of Pacific Island communities. We look forward to many more visits and the further strengthening of our naval cooperation and partnerships to protect this vast region,” Hon. Prasad said.
The Acting Prime Minister also noted that Fiji and India share common values, deep cultural ties, and a history of cooperation that continues to support Fiji’s development journey in key areas such as climate resilience, agriculture, education, digital transformation, and health.
Also present at the event were Cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corps.