External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Unveiled Bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Fiji: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s bust was inaugurated in Suva’s India House by Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who also spoke with a sizable crowd of people from the diaspora. S. Jaishankar informed that he was privileged to unveil a bust of Sardar Patel at the India House in Suva, Fiji. All Indians are still inspired by his vision of a stronger, more united country.
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Addressing the Indian Diaspora in Fiji, Jaishankar stated that the Indian community has achieved its milestones and is today an enormous asset to India, the country where they live, and to the world.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Unveiled Bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Fiji- Key Points
- In his speech to the locals in Suva, Fiji, Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that research into the Indo-Pacific region reveals Fiji to be a significant partner with whom India has a long-standing and established relationship.
- Jaishankar, who is in Fiji from 15th to 17th February attended the 12th World Hindi Conference and held bilateral meetings with Fiji’s leadership during his first day-long visit to Suva on February 16.
- Jaishankar visited Ratu Williame Katonivere, the President of Fiji, at the State House and jointly launched the Government of India-funded project for the solarization of the Pacific Heads of State Residence in Suva with the Fijian President.
- The project is the inaugural pilot of the Solar Head of State initiative launched by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) in Fiji and funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
- He had meetings with the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka and senior members of the Fijian cabinet including the three Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers for Home Affairs, Health, Education, Multi-ethnic Affairs, and Sugar.
- During the bilateral meeting with the PM, both leaders took stock of the bilateral relations and discussed ways and means to further strengthen the development partnership between India and Fiji in a number of fields, such as information technology, agriculture, health, and capacity building.
- EAM, Ministers of State V Muraleedharan, and MPs attending the 12th World Hindi Conference also visited the Siva Subramanya Kovil in Nadi.
- During his visit to Suva, EAM inaugurated the renovated Girmit Gallery in the Fiji Museum, which has been supported by the Government of India under bilateral grant-in-aid. The Gallery showcases the journey of the Girmits (Indian indentured laborers) in Fiji.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports was signed by India and Fiji. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka witnessed the MoU exchange.