Number of agreements signed between India and Fiji after Indian PM's visit

This will be a new day and a new beginning in our relations.

This is the message to the people of Fiji from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

Modi said he feels that he is no longer a visitor after a united Fiji welcomed him to a beautiful country which is full of culture and diversity.

A number of agreements were signed today that will deepen the relations between Fiji and India.

Modi revealed in the special parliament sitting that India will set up a Centre for Excellence for the Information Communications Technology in Fiji.

A grant of 5 million US dollars will also be given to strengthen and modernise Fiji’s village small and medium industries while India will also provide a line of credit of $70 million for a Co-generation power plant at the Rarawai sugar mill, the dairy industry will also be supported as India is the largest producer of milk in the world while an agreement has also been signed to allow visa on arrival for Fijians visiting India.

Modi has also confirmed that scholarships will be doubled by India.

Bainimarama said our relations go years back to the times when people came from British India to Fiji.

He said this is now a new chapter in the relationship between Fiji and India.

Thousands of people gathered at Albert Park this morning to welcome the Prime Minister of India.

Narendra Modi was accorded a full traditional welcome ceremony by the people of Sorokoba on behalf of all the people of Fiji.

Following the official ceremony, Modi walked around the park shaking hands with hundreds of people.

He stopped for many selfies with people from all walks of life.

Many primary and secondary school students were also lucky to get selfies with Modi and shake hands with him.

It can be described as a rockstar welcome for Modi as many people just wanted to catch a glimpse of the Indian Prime Minister while many others wanted to get selfies and just shake his hands.

In the Special Parliament address, Bainimarama said Fiji is ready to assist India in their future missions as they did in November last year when India launched an inter-planetary mission to Mars.

Bainimarama also apologized to Modi for the non-appearance of the SODELPA MP’s in the special parliamentary sitting today.

The 15 SODELPA MP’s including the Leader of the Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa boycotted the parliament session.

Ro Teimumu who was also formally invited for Modi’s official welcome ceremony did not attend the event.

She is also invited to the farewell ceremony tonight however she is unlikely to attend.