Amidst the backdrop of the United States imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods, Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, made a noteworthy statement. He informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that, while some might not be entirely satisfied, Modi’s strong presence allows him to manage challenging situations. Rabuka’s remarks followed his address on the ‘Ocean of Peace’ at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in Sapru House, where he described his discussion with PM Modi.
Prime Minister Rabuka visited Delhi for three days to bolster Fiji’s relationships with India in areas like maritime security, trade, health, digital technology, and capacity building. India and Fiji jointly developed a plan to boost defense ties, agreeing to work together for a peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Discussions between PM Modi and Rabuka focused on expanding comprehensive bilateral cooperation.
During the ICWA lecture, when asked about his conversations with other leaders regarding the ‘Ocean of Peace’ concept, Rabuka mentioned he hadn’t spoken directly with the U.S. President. He did request a bilateral meeting with the Russian President and had one with the British Prime Minister. He noted that PM Modi reflected their views. Without further elaboration, Rabuka stated that the current events were affecting the relationship with the US, particularly the recent tariff announcements, and he told PM Modi that although some people are unhappy, his strong personality can endure these difficulties.