Indian President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a state visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste from August 5 to 10, 2024. This tour marks the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to Fiji and Timor-Leste, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations under the Act East Policy.
Fiji Visit (August 5-6)
President Murmu will be in Fiji for two days at the invitation of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. This historic visit includes bilateral meetings with President Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Murmu will also address the Fijian Parliament and engage with the Indian diaspora in Fiji. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised that this visit underscores India’s dedication to enhancing bilateral ties with Fiji.
New Zealand Visit (August 7-9)
Following her Fiji visit, President Murmu will visit New Zealand from August 7 to 9, at the invitation of Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. During her stay, she will hold bilateral meetings with Governor-General Kiro and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Additionally, Murmu will address an education conference and interact with the Indian community and friends of India. The MEA highlighted that this visit aims to bolster India-New Zealand relations.
Timor-Leste Visit (August 10)
On August 10, President Murmu will visit Timor-Leste at the invitation of President José Ramos-Horta. The visit includes bilateral meetings with President Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala “Xanana” Gusmão, as well as interactions with the Indian community. This visit is significant as it marks the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to Timor-Leste, further emphasising India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the region.
Broader Implications
The MEA noted that these visits reflect India’s strong focus on the Act East Policy, announced by Prime Minister Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014. The visits aim to enhance political and economic cooperation, promote mutual interests, and foster regional stability. India’s robust economy and significant consumer base make it an attractive partner for bilateral trade, which is a key focus of these diplomatic engagements.
The New Zealand visit, in particular, comes at a time when Wellington is keen to intensify its engagement with New Delhi. Recent visits by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister Todd McClay to India have set the stage for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to visit India, potentially in October 2024, to meet with Prime Minister Modi.
President Murmu’s visits are expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual understanding, enhancing India’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. These high-level interactions are seen as a significant step towards fostering stronger international relationships and promoting global peace and stability.
President Droupadi Murmu’s state visits to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste represent a milestone in India’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with these nations. The visits are anticipated to yield significant benefits in terms of bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional stability, reinforcing India’s commitment to its Act East Policy and its role in the global community.
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