India and Fiji on Monday held discussions on maritime security, military training, cyber training and defence industry collaboration, as the two countries sought to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation at the second India–Fiji Bilateral Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in New Delhi.
The two sides also discussed capacity building, service-to-service engagements and enhanced institutional cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and Fiji, while expressing satisfaction over the growing defence engagements between the two countries.
India reiterated the importance accorded to Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries in its vision of a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.
The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, and Mason Smith, Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Fiji. On the sidelines, Smith also met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation, including opportunities for greater collaboration in the defence industry.
India, Fiji to expand specialised military training cooperation
As part of efforts to expand specialised military training cooperation, the Fijian delegation is scheduled to visit Kochi on September 29–30. During the visit, the delegation will inspect facilities at the Southern Naval Command to explore and formalise cooperation in advanced naval training and professional aviation training modules, aimed at enhancing technical proficiency and operational synergy between the two maritime forces.
Fijian delegation visits National War Memorial
Prior to the official bilateral talks, Smith paid solemn tribute to India’s martyred soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
The Fijian delegation also visited DPSU Bhavan at the World Trade Centre, New Delhi, where it was briefed on India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The visit showcased advancements under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, including exhibition displays and advanced Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) simulation facilities designed to replicate real-world battlefield conditions.
India and Fiji share close and friendly relations, underpinned by historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. The meeting provided an opportunity to consolidate the existing defence partnership and identify new avenues for cooperation.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagements and work towards further deepening bilateral defence cooperation, the ministry said.
-PIB Inputs
