MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita with Prof Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance of Fiji, in Nadi in May 2025

As Fiji’s Finance Minister, what new areas of trade and investment would you like to open up with India—particularly in agriculture, ICT, and tourism?
We welcome Indian investors, especially in the hotel and tourism sector. Over 30 million Indians travel abroad each year for leisure and business. Fiji is a premier holiday destination, and we hope to attract more Indian tourists and destination weddings. Investment by Indian hotel chains would create opportunities for travellers and strengthen people-to-people links.

What message would you like to share with readers in India and the global Indian diaspora about the enduring connection between Fiji and India?
For many years, the Indian diaspora, particularly those who left during the indenture period, were not formally recognised in India. In the past two decades, this has changed. I thank Prime Minister Modi for acknowledging girmitiya history. I have also called for an International Day on Girmit so that the sacrifices of over a million indentured labourers are honoured globally. This recognition will further strengthen India–Fiji relations and inspire future generations.