President Droupadi Murmu of India will undertake a significant State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste from August 5 to 10, 2024. This visit marks a crucial step in strengthening India’s diplomatic and bilateral relations with these nations.
President Murmu will begin her tour in Fiji on August 5-6, 2024, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, the President of Fiji. This historic visit is the first-ever by an Indian Head of State to Fiji. During her stay, President Murmu will engage in bilateral meetings with President Katonivere and Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Sitiveni Rabuka. Additionally, she is scheduled to address the Fijian Parliament and meet with the Indian diaspora in Fiji. This visit underscores India’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its relations with Fiji.
Following her visit to Fiji, President Murmu will travel to New Zealand from August 7-9, 2024, at the invitation of H.E. Rt. Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, the Governor-General of New Zealand. In New Zealand, President Murmu will hold bilateral talks with Governor-General Kiro and meet with Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Christopher Luxon. She will also address an education conference and interact with the Indian community and friends of India. This leg of the visit aims to provide fresh momentum to India-New Zealand bilateral relations.
The final stop of President Murmu’s tour will be in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on August 10, 2024, at the invitation of President H.E. Mr. José Ramos-Horta. Here, she will hold a bilateral meeting with President Horta and will be called upon by Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Kay Rala “Xanana” Gusmão. President Murmu will also engage with members of the Indian community in Timor-Leste. This visit marks the first-ever Head of State visit from India to Timor-Leste, highlighting the importance India places on its relationship with the country.
President Murmu’s visits to these nations underscore India’s strong focus on the Act East Policy, which was articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a decade ago at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014. This policy aims to strengthen economic and strategic relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Moreover, President Murmu’s visit is seen as a stepping stone towards fostering even closer bilateral relations. It is anticipated that this visit will pave the way for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s future visit to India and the invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit New Zealand. This aligns with the broader goals of mutual cooperation, economic partnership, and cultural exchange.
President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste from August 5-10, 2024, is a landmark event that underscores India’s dedication to enhancing its bilateral ties and engagement with these nations. It reflects India’s commitment to the Act East Policy and sets the stage for future high-level exchanges and deeper cooperation.
-TIN Bureau