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Suva, 06 August (HS). Indian President Draupadi Murmu is in Fiji's capital Suva on the first leg of her three-nation visit. Fiji's President Ratu Viliame Mwalili Katonivere honoured President Draupadi Murmu with the Companion of the Order of Fiji. This is Fiji's highest civilian honour. President Murmu said that this honour is a symbol of the deep bonds of friendship between India and Fiji. This pictorial description has been shared on the X handle of the President of India.
Draupadi Murmu was given a warm welcome by Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on her arrival in Suva. After Fiji, the President will go to New Zealand and Timor-Leste. This is the first visit of an Indian head of state to Fiji and Timor-Leste. This visit will further strengthen the historical relations between the two countries.
Foreign Ministry Secretary Jaideep Mazumdar had recently shared the details of the President's visit in New Delhi. It was said that President Draupadi Murmu will be on a visit to three countries – Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste – from August 5 to 10. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy, India has specially focused on South-East Asia and the Pacific region. These three countries come under India's Act East policy. 75 years of diplomatic relations have been completed between India and Fiji. India has been Fiji's major development partner.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X on Sunday that taking forward the Act East policy, President Draupadi Murmu left for a three-nation visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor-Leste. In the first phase, the President will be on a state visit to Fiji. This visit will further strengthen the historical relations between the two countries. The President will also address the Parliament of Fiji. She is also scheduled to interact with the people of the Indian community.
In the second leg of the visit, the President will visit New Zealand on August 8 and 9. During this, she will hold a bilateral meeting with Governor General Cindy Kiro and meet Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The President will also address an international education conference in Wellington and address the Indian community in Auckland. In the last leg of the visit, the President will visit Timor-Leste on August 10.