The second India–Fiji Bilateral Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting was held in New Delhi on September 28, 2026.The two countries held discussions on a wide range of areas of mutual interest, including military training and capacity building, service-to-service engagements, maritime security, cyber training, defence industry collaboration and enhanced institutional cooperation between the Armed Forces of India and Fiji.

India reiterated the importance accorded to Fiji and the Pacific Island Countries in its vision of a free, open, inclusive and secure Indo-Pacific. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral defence engagements and reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. 

The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence and Mr. Mason Smith, Permanent Secretary for Defence & Veterans Affairs, Fiji. Mr. Smith also met Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on the sidelines of the 2nd India–Fiji Bilateral Joint Working Group Meeting. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence and maritime cooperation, including opportunities for greater defence industry collaboration.

As part of efforts to expand specialised military training cooperation, the Fijian delegation is scheduled to visit Kochi on 29–30 September 2026. The delegation will inspect facilities at the Southern Naval Command to formalise advanced naval training cooperation and professional aviation training modules, enhancing technical proficiency and operational synergy between the two maritime forces.

Prior to the commencement of the official bilateral talks, Mr. Smith paid solemn tribute to India's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. The Fijian delegation also visited the DPSU Bhavan at the World Trade Centre, New Delhi, where it was briefed on India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The visit highlighted advancements under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, with a focus on exhibition displays and advanced Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) simulation facilities that replicate real-world battlefield conditions.

India and Fiji share close and friendly relations, underpinned by historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. The meeting provided an opportunity to consolidate the existing defence partnership and identify new avenues for cooperation. Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagements and work towards further deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

****

SR/Ruchi

(Release ID: 2316118) Visitor Counter : 285