India to Support Fiji’s Maritime Security

• India will provide training and equipment to Fiji aimed at upgrading its maritime security capabilities.

• This initiative was recently announced by the Prime Minister of India.

• The move is part of India’s broader efforts to strengthen ties and security cooperation in the South Pacific region.

About Fiji

Geography:

• Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, located northeast of New Zealand and southwest of Hawaii.

• It consists of about 300 islands and 540 islets spread over roughly 1,000,000 square miles (3,000,000 sq.km).

• Fiji has no land borders with other countries.

• Approximately 100 islands are inhabited.

• The capital city is Suva, situated on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, the largest island.

• Viti Levu accounts for more than half of Fiji’s total land area.

Physical Features:

• The terrain is rugged, dominated by a central mountain range.

• The highest peak is Mount Tomanivi, rising to 1,324 meters (4,344 feet).

• Fiji's islands were formed through volcanic activity, sedimentary deposits, and coral formations.

• Nearly 50% of Fiji’s land area remains forested, with dry grasslands mostly in the western parts of the large islands.

Demographics and Culture:

• The majority of the population is of mixed Melanesian-Polynesian ancestry.

• There is also a significant South Asian minority.

• Official languages are English and Fijian.

• The currency used is the Fiji dollar.

Significance of India’s Support:

• Fiji’s maritime security is crucial given its island geography and reliance on ocean resources.

• India’s assistance will enhance Fiji’s ability to monitor and protect its maritime zones, ensuring better surveillance, law enforcement, and disaster management.

• Strengthening maritime ties with Fiji helps India expand its strategic and diplomatic reach in the Indo-Pacific region.