Fiji PM Highlights India’s Role Amid US Tariff Challenges

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka expressed confidence in India’s resilience in the face of international challenges, specifically referencing the 50 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Indian goods. Speaking in New Delhi on August 24, 2023, Rabuka emphasized that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the strength to navigate such pressures, stating, “Somebody is not very happy with you but you’re big enough to weather those discomforts.”

Rabuka made these remarks during an event organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs as part of his three-day state visit to India. He outlined a vision for a strategic framework entitled the “Ocean of Peace,” aimed at fostering regional stability, environmental stewardship, and diplomatic cooperation across the Pacific.

“India is an important partner,” Rabuka noted, highlighting India’s support in crucial areas such as digital infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy, and education. He underscored that India can amplify Fiji’s voice in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, where issues like climate justice and nuclear disarmament are increasingly pressing.

The Pacific nations, with over 32 million square kilometres of ocean under their jurisdiction, wield significant geopolitical influence. Rabuka pointed out that this area is slightly smaller than the combined land areas of Russia, China, and the United States. The “Ocean of Peace” concept promotes a framework based on 12 principles of Pacific regionalism, which include a strong commitment to international law, respect for human rights, and nuclear non-proliferation.

Central to Rabuka’s vision is the emphasis on dialogue and consensus, termed the “Pacific Way,” which he believes can help manage strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite these optimistic frameworks, he warned that peace in the Pacific remains fragile, citing threats from geopolitical tensions, military competition, and the existential risks posed by climate change.

“The Blue Pacific has been a theater of external wars and a testing ground for the most dangerous weapons,” Rabuka stated. He expressed concern over the erosion of multilateral norms and the uncertainty affecting global economic and political systems. Fiji, he affirmed, will continue advocating for a balanced, non-aligned stance in international affairs, focusing on Pacific-led solutions to local challenges.

Rabuka’s comments precede the upcoming Pacific Island Forum, where leaders will gather in Manila, Solomon Islands, to discuss the draft Ocean of Peace declaration. “Our most significant contribution,” he said, “is to create in the homeland, home area of our peacekeepers, the peace we already feel at home and to take it abroad.”

He called upon India and other international partners to support the “Ocean of Peace” initiative, framing it as a model for conflict resolution and sustainable coexistence. “Together, we can make this vision not only a regional reality, but a global contribution to peace and the dignity of humankind,” he concluded, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a stable future for the Pacific region.