India’s Minister Pabitra Margherita Visits Fiji for Girmit Day, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, has arrived in Fiji on his first official visit to the Pacific, participating in the nation’s Girmit Day celebrations and reinforcing India-Fiji relations.

According to The Australia Today, Margherita expressed his enthusiasm upon landing in Nadi, stating: “Glad to arrive in Nadi on my first official visit to Fiji. Looking forward to my participation in the Girmit Day celebration in Labasa – a special occasion honoring shared history and friendship.”

Girmit Day commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in Fiji and recognizes their enduring contribution to the country's development. Margherita attended the celebrations in Labasa as Guest of Honour, underscoring India’s continued cultural and diplomatic engagement with Fiji.

During his visit, he met with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad. Their discussions spanned development cooperation and expanding bilateral partnerships across key sectors. Margherita later commented, “Discussed the whole gamut of India-Fiji bilateral cooperation.”

The Fijian Government, through Deputy PM Prasad, reiterated its commitment to strengthening international alliances that benefit the Fijian people. The visit also supports India’s broader Act East and Indo-Pacific engagement strategies, deepening ties with the Fijian Indian diaspora.

This report is based on an article by Amit Sarwal, originally published by The Australia Today.