Narendra Damodardas Modi, the 15th Prime Minister of India, recently became the first premier to visit Fiji since Indira Gandhi visited 33 years ago in 1981. PM Modi arrived from Melbourne, Australia at the crack of dawn on Wednesday morning to a ceremonial guard of honour at the Nausori airport. He was here for the third and final leg of his 10-day, three-nation tour for a day long visit.
Prime Minister Modi was then whisked away and hosted by the Grand Pacific Hotel where he rested in the Royal Suite and where he also later attended two (2) GPH ballroom events, the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation with respective Pacific Island nation leaders, and later a dinner gala with these same leaders and other regional dignitaries and stakeholders.
During his action-packed day, Prime Minister Modi was traditionally welcomed at Albert Park with locals assembled along the enclosure eager to catch a glimpse of the ceremony. His busy schedule included making announcements, signing bilateral agreements, and most importantly strengthening international partnerships. He also addressed the Fijian parliament, being the first foreign leader to do so after the September elections.
“I regard Fiji as an important partner for India. We have deep and enduring ties of history and culture. Fiji is an influential voice in the Pacific Region and the developing world, and our partner in multilateral institutions,” PM Modi said after his meeting with Frank Bainimarama.
The Grand Pacific Hotel wishes to extend our very best wishes to the Prime Minister’s entire entourage that made it a sincere point to return every friendly Fiji smile with an equally pleasing smile and expression of gratitude. Bula Vinaka to a wonderfully cooperative Indian contingent.
