India, Aug. 25 -- The Government of India issued the following news release:

Your Excellency Prime Minister Rabuka, Delegates from both countries, Friends from the media, Namskaar! Bula Vinaka!

I warmly welcome Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation to India.

In 2014, an Indian Prime Minister visited Fiji after 33 years. I feel very happy and proud to have had this good fortune.

At the time, we launched the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). This initiative has not only strengthened India-Fiji relations but also our ties with the entire Pacific region. Today, with Prime Minister Rabuka's visit, we are writing a new chapter in our partnership.

Friends,

India and Fiji share a deep bond of friendship. In the 19th cent...