Editor’s Note: We dedicate both Leaders of this issue to Fiji and its people to commemorate the friendly relations that exist between the two countries and to pay our respects to the Girmityas whose anniversary will be observed on May 14.
The strength and value of friendship are often tested in times of adversity or need and in the history of nations, bilateral relations are defined in terms of peaceful neighbourhood and international fraternity.
Relations between Fiji and several countries of the First World, notably Australia and New Zealand descended to a standoff point since Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama became the Interim Prime Minister on December 5, 2006 following a military coup.
The merits and otherwise of the distance maintained by Australia, New Zealand and other developed countries are always subject to debate but India is the only major country that has stood by Fiji at all times, affirming the latter’s right to self-determination and its own policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
Despite the problems that India continues to confront on several fronts, the country is loved by many Fijians of Indian origin. Apart from being their ancestral home, India has been the destination for them for education, medical treatment, investment and business.
As Fiji rebuilds its brand of representative government and returns to democracy this September, it will remember with fondness the strong support and understanding that the people of India accorded to the people of Fiji and look for ways and means of fostering political, economic, commercial and social relationships.
Mr Bainimarama has expressed his country’s gratitude to India on a number of occasions.
In a letter to his Indian counterpart last year, he said, “The true spirit of friendship and cooperation that provides the unbreakable bond between the two nations and its people will be further strengthened in the years ahead. The strong framework of democracy set by your founding fathers, the people of India have built a nation that is strong and proud.”
He added that Fiji attributes great value to the bilateral relations between the two nations and that the country appreciates the many forms of assistance from the Indian Government and the goodwill shown by the Indian people.
“Fiji and India established diplomatic ties right after Fiji gained independence in 1970 and the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) is famously known to have been established in Fiji before it was opened anywhere else in the world.”
Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was the first Head of State to call on President Pranab Mukherjee soon after the later took office in 2012.
