India Announces $75-million Credit To Fiji

India has announced a credit of $75 million to Fiji for a power plant and upgrading the island country’s sugar industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this after meeting his Fijian counterpart Frank Bainimarama. Modi also announced ‘visa on arrival’ for Fiji citizens.

Modi reached there on the third and final leg of his 10-day three-nation tour. This is the first visit to the country by an Indian Prime Minister in more than three decades since the visit of Indira Gandhi in 1981.

The island country rolled out the red carpet for the Indian Prime Minister, who also received a guard of honour on arrival at the airport. Bainimarama was himself present at the airport to receive Modi.

"It is a new day and a new beginning in our relations with Fiji. Fiji could serve as a hub for stronger Indian engagement with Pacific islands. I see this visit as an opportunity to renew an old relationship and lay the foundation for a strong partnership in the future," said Modi.

"I regard Fiji as an important partner for India. We have deep and enduring ties of history and culture. Fiji is an influential voice in the Pacific Region and the developing world, and our partner in multilateral institutions," he added.

Modi also addressed Fiji’s Parliament and pledged support to build a ‘Digital Fiji.’