The twenty-first century has witnessed a profound shift in global power dynamics, with the Indo-Pacific emerging as the central theatre of strategic competition. Against this backdrop, India and Fiji have taken a decisive step forward by unveiling a Defence and Security Action Plan on August 25, 2025, during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in New Delhi. This development is not merely an agreement between two nations, but a symbolic assertion of the importance of small island states in shaping regional stability and of India’s growing role as a responsible maritime power.

The Defence Action Plan: Building Security Through Cooperation

At the heart of the agreement lies a multi-dimensional action plan designed to strengthen Fiji’s capacity in both traditional and non-traditional security spheres. One of the most important outcomes is the decision to station a Defence Attaché in Suva, which establishes a permanent diplomatic and military channel for coordination. This step signals India’s intent to deepen its engagement with not just Fiji but the broader Pacific Islands region.

The plan also includes concrete measures to boost maritime security. India will assist Fiji with training, equipment support, and technical know-how to enhance its surveillance of territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZ). The announcement of an upcoming port call by an Indian naval ship in Fiji underscores India’s willingness to operationalize these commitments, moving from paper to practice in terms of defence diplomacy.

Equally important is the cyber security dimension. In a world where digital warfare, cybercrime, and hybrid threats increasingly undermine sovereignty, India has pledged to establish a Cyber Security Training Cell (CSTC) in Fiji. This initiative will not only build Fiji’s resilience but could also serve as a regional training hub, benefiting neighbouring island states that face similar vulnerabilities.

Beyond hard security, the action plan extends to humanitarian cooperation. India’s promise to gift two sea ambulances to Fiji’s armed forces reflects a recognition that security today cannot be confined to guns and ships; it must also encompass the ability to save lives during natural disasters and emergencies. This aligns with India’s proven record in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Strategic Significance: Small Islands, Big Role

While Fiji may appear small in terms of population and landmass, its geographical position in the South Pacific makes it a strategic pivot in the Indo-Pacific chessboard. Great powers, most notably China, have already sought to expand their presence in the Pacific Islands through economic aid, infrastructure investments, and even security agreements. Such moves have generated unease in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, who view the region as integral to maintaining a free and open maritime order.

By engaging Fiji, India is not only strengthening bilateral ties but also reinforcing a strategic alternative for Pacific Island nations. India brings to the table not only defence cooperation but also cultural affinity, developmental partnerships, and a shared identity as members of the Global South. For Fiji, deepening ties with India helps diversify its external relations and avoid overdependence on any single major power.

The Vision of an Inclusive Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Modi captured the spirit of this partnership by stating:

“Oceans apart, our aspirations sail in the same boat.”

This sentiment reflects the shared understanding that the Indo-Pacific is not defined by geography alone but by common challenges and collective aspirations. For both India and Fiji, the ocean is not just a space of competition but also a domain of peace, prosperity, and resilience.

Prime Minister Rabuka, too, emphasized that the cooperation extends beyond defence hardware. It includes climate security, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development, which are existential issues for island nations threatened by rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The inclusion of these themes in a defence action plan demonstrates a progressive and holistic approach to security.

Context in Global Geopolitics

The timing of this agreement is significant. China’s recent dual aircraft carrier operations in the Pacific, its naval deployments near New Zealand, and its security overtures to island nations have heightened anxieties in the region. At the same time, allies like the United States, Australia, and Japan are expanding their own engagements through joint military exercises and aid packages. India’s proactive outreach to Fiji situates it firmly within this wider strategic contest, but with a distinct emphasis on partnership rather than dominance.

The move also aligns with India’s Act East Policy and its role within frameworks like the Quad. While India’s immediate strategic concerns lie in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, its outreach to Fiji demonstrates that New Delhi views the Indo-Pacific in its true expanse, stretching “from the shores of Africa to the coasts of the Americas.

Conclusion: Sailing Together Towards a Secure Future

The unveiling of the India-Fiji Defence Action Plan is more than a diplomatic handshake; it is a strategic signal. For Fiji, it brings tangible benefits in maritime capability, cyber defence, and humanitarian aid. For India, it expands its diplomatic horizon, strengthens its Indo-Pacific presence, and reinforces its image as a reliable security partner.

In an era where great-power rivalry often overshadows the voices of smaller nations, this partnership serves as a reminder that even island states can play a decisive role in shaping regional security. By joining hands, India and Fiji are not just securing their own futures but also contributing to the vision of a free, open, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Indeed, in the vastness of the Pacific, this partnership is a small step with the potential to echo loudly across the strategic seascape of the 21st century.