Suva: Seeking greater engagement with the Pacific Islands, India on Wednesday announced a line of 75 million USD credit to Fiji for a cogeneration power plant and the improvement of the sugar industry and a background of five million dollars to develop their people, even when the two countries agreed to expand their defense and security cooperation.
The prime minister Narendra Modi, who made the announcements after meeting with his counterpart from Fiji, Frank Bainimarama shortly after his arrival, also announced a visa on arrival of Fijians and assistance projects which includes a library of Parliament and duplication of scholarships and training slots in India for the people of this country.
Credit lines were part three agreements signed between the two countries in the presence of the two leaders. Modi arrived here at the crack of dawn on the third and final leg of his 10-day three-nation, for a one-day visit, the first by an Indian prime minister to the country in 33 years after Indira Gandhi in 1981.
The small island nation of the remote Pacific rolled out the red carpet for Modi, who was greeted by Frank Bainimarama, former military ruler in Suva International Airport. Bainimarama was sworn in as prime minister on September 22, after the first parliamentary elections in the Pacific nation since seizing power in a coup in 2006.
Modi a ceremonial guard of honor at the airport after attending the traditional welcoming ceremony at Albert Park, near the office of the Prime Minister and Parliament was granted. He shook hands with people from the Indian diaspora gathered on the ground while walking past the enclosures. "It's a new day and a new start in relations with Fiji," Modi said in statements to the media at a joint appearance with Bainimarama in the office of prime minister.
"Fiji could it serve as a center for stronger engagement with the Pacific Islands India. I see this visit as an opportunity to renew an old relationship and lay the foundation for a strong partnership in the future," he added. Modi also addressed Fijian Parliament, the first by a foreign leader after the parliamentary elections, in which he said that India was willing to work with Fiji to build a "Digital Fiji".
The credit line includes $ 70 million for a cogeneration power plant in Rarav sugar mill and five million dollars to strengthen and modernize the people of Fiji, small and medium scale industries. "I consider Fiji as an important partner for India. We have deep and lasting history and culture ties. Fiji is an influential voice in the Pacific region and the developing world, and our partner in multilateral institutions," Modi said in their joint press interaction.
