India, Fiji Deepen Defence Cooperation at JWG Meeting

India and Fiji discuss maritime security, military and cyber training, capacity building and defence industry cooperation, while expanding specialised naval and aviation training engagements.

India and Fiji discuss maritime security, military training, cyber training and defence industry collaboration at the second India-Fiji Bilateral Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held in New Delhi. The discussions focus on expanding bilateral defence cooperation and strengthening institutional engagement between the armed forces of both countries.

The meeting is co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Ministry of Defence, and Mason Smith, Permanent Secretary for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Fiji. The two sides also review cooperation in capacity building, service-to-service engagements and other areas of institutional coordination.

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India reiterates the importance it attaches to Fiji and Pacific Island countries within its vision of a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific. Both sides express their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest and note the growth in defence engagements between India and Fiji.

Focus on Specialised Military Training: As part of efforts to expand specialised military training, the Fijian delegation is scheduled to visit Kochi on September 29 and 30. During the visit, the delegation will inspect facilities at the Southern Naval Command to explore cooperation in advanced naval training and professional aviation training modules.

The proposed cooperation is intended to strengthen technical capabilities and operational coordination between the two maritime forces. The discussions also cover cyber training and broader capacity-building opportunities.

Alongside the JWG meeting, Mason Smith meets Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to discuss bilateral defence and maritime cooperation, including opportunities for greater collaboration in the defence industry.

Fijian Delegation Visits Indian Defence Facilities: Before the bilateral discussions, Smith pays tribute to Indian soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The Fijian delegation also visits DPSU Bhavan at the World Trade Centre, where it receives a briefing on India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

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The delegation views displays highlighting developments under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, including advanced augmented reality and virtual reality simulation facilities designed to replicate battlefield environments.

India and Fiji maintain defence ties alongside broader historical, cultural and people-to-people relations. The latest JWG meeting provides a platform for both countries to identify additional areas of defence cooperation and maintain regular institutional engagement.

Both sides agree to continue regular consultations and work towards further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.