Indian Naval Ship Kadmatt arrived in Fiji on Monday for a three-day goodwill visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation. The anti-submarine warfare corvette’s visit included discussions on maritime security, capacity development, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

According to the Indian High Commission in Fiji, Cdr Kutuhal Limaye, Commanding Officer of INS Kadmatt, called on Mason Smith, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, accompanied by Capt Rohit Raymond Kattoju, India’s Defence Adviser to Fiji. Both sides exchanged views on collaboration in maritime security, HADR, and training initiatives.

The port call follows Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka’s August visit to India, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged enhanced support for Fiji’s maritime security. This includes cooperation in training, provision of equipment, and sharing expertise in cyber security and data protection.

PM Modi also underscored Fiji’s role in the Pacific, describing it as a hub for regional cooperation, and welcomed Fiji’s decision to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growth of bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to a broad-based partnership spanning defence, health, agriculture, trade, culture, education, and skills development.