President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Fijian Parliament on Tuesday, emphasising the "close ties" and "shared values" between India and Fiji.
President Murmu arrived in Suva on the first leg of her three-nation visit, starting in Fiji.
Starting her address with "Namaskar. Ni Sa Bula (Fijian greeting that means good evening)," the President said, "It is my honour to meet you all, the elected representatives of Fiji, in this temple of democracy. I bring to you the greetings of 1.4 billion of your brothers and sisters in the largest democracy in the world, India. I thank the honourable Speaker for giving me this opportunity. This is the reflection of the close relations between our two countries."
Earlier in the day, Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere conferred the 'Companion of the Order of Fiji', the highest civilian award in the country, upon the Indian President.
Murmu expressed her gratitude for the conferment, saying it is a "reflection of the deep ties between the two nations." She also thanked President Katonivere for inviting her on her first visit to Fiji.
She highlighted the shared values of democracy, diversity, equality, and commitment to liberty, dignity, and rights that unite India and Fiji. "These shared values are eternal and shall continue to guide us ahead," she said.
Stressing the similarity between the two nations and "vibrant democracies" despite the "vast difference" in the size of India and Fiji, the President said, "Almost 10 years ago, speaking in this same hall, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, underlined some basic values that unite India and Fiji. These include our democracy, the diversity of our societies, our creed that all human beings are equal, and our commitment to the liberty, dignity and rights of every individual. These shared values are eternal and shall continue to guide us ahead."
President Murmu praised Fiji's "gentle way of life, the deep-rooted respect for traditions and customs, an open and multicultural environment," noting that the world has much to learn from Fiji.
"No wonder Fiji is the place where the rest of the world comes to find its happiness," she remarked.
Reflecting on the historical ties, she noted the arrival of "Girmitiya" workers (Indentured labourers) from India over 145 years ago.
"Though their early life here was filled with danger and hardship, it is heartening to know how the "Girmitiyas" and their descendants have been embraced by this country. In return, they have contributed immensely to the building of their new homeland through their hard work and diligence," the President added in Hindi, jokingly saying, "I hope you understand Hindi."
She also announced new projects, including a Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital in Suva, to meet the needs of the Fijian people and the wider Pacific region.
President Murmu reiterated India's commitment, as a "powerful voice of the Global South," to climate justice, promising to push for climate finance and technology for developing countries. "We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Fiji and other ocean states for climate justice," she added.
"As India emerges strongly on the global stage, we stand ready to partner with Fiji to build a stronger, resilient, and more prosperous nation," President Murmu said.
Later, President Murmu also addressed the Indian Community Reception.
On her arrival, President Murmu was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, the Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, P.S. Karthikeyan, and other government officials at the airport.
This is the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Fiji. She will be in Fiji from August 5-7 at the invitation of President Katonivere.
Ambedkar’s ideals reflect in PM Modi’s initiatives: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said that B.R. Ambedkar, the key architect of the Indian Constitution and the country's first Law Minister, was a pioneer in building a socially equal India.
Tripura: One more held for ‘seditious’ comments on Pahalgam attack
Tripura Police on Monday arrested one more person for making “anti-national” comments on a social media post-Pahalgam terror attack, an official said.
Russia-Ukraine war: Putin announces three-day ceasefire in May to mark Victory Day celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a 72-hour ceasefire in its ongoing 'Special Military Operation' in Ukraine on account of the Victory Day celebrations, next month.
BJP's ally Tipra Motha Party hold protests in Tripura against Bangladesh embankments
The Bharatiya Janata Party's ally Tipra Motha Party (TMP), on Monday, organised massive protests against the construction of embankments by the Bangladesh government along the border with Tripura jeopardising Indian territories during monsoon.
India needs strong action to prevent Pahalgam-like attacks in the future: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday strongly condemned the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, asserting that India demands decisive action to ensure such attacks never recur.
Defence stocks surge over 9 pc as India inks Rs 63,000 crore Rafale deal
Defence stocks saw a strong rally on Monday, climbing over 9 per cent, as the government inked a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
'Power projection': India inks Rs 63,000 crore deal with France to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for Navy
India on Monday signed a landmark Rs 63,000 crore government-to-government deal with France to buy 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets which will give added punch to the Indian Navy, amid growing security concerns over China flexing its maritime muscle in the Indo-Pacific region.
From Kupwara to Kathua, people came out to protest: CM Omar Abdullah on Pahalgam attack
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that for the first time, the people of the country are united, and this unity is needed to end militancy and terrorism.