A Mini India, Far from India: Fiji

Imagine a journey that stretches across vast oceans, mingling diplomacy with deep-rooted friendship, history and culture. That’s what connects India to Fiji, a lovely little Pacific nation made up of over 800 coral islands. Sounds exotic right? Though separated by thousands of miles, India and Fiji share a very unique bond, less talked about, and its fuelled by the 300,000 people of Indian origin who have called Fiji home for over a century.

A New Spark in an Old Friendship

Call it "The Pacific Bond." On November 29 2014, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Fiji, and was warmly welcomed in Suva, the nation’s capital. This visit was historic because it was the first time after 33 years when Indira Gandhi set foot in a land where the major population is of Indian origin.

The connection between India and Fiji is rooted in both history and cultural exchange, reflecting a profound legacy. From the late 19th century, Indian laborers arrived under British indentured contracts to work in Fiji’s sugar plantations, enduring years of hardship. Today, Indo-Fijians make up a significant part of Fiji’s population, contributing immensely to its economic and cultural landscape. Despite occasional ethnic tension, Indo-Fijians have preserved their traditions, language, and values, blending them with Fijian culture, and their presence continues to shape Fiji’s multicultural identity.

The Beginning: Girmitiyas and Their Legacy

The British colonial government introduced Indians to Fiji under the “girmit” system, a contract labor arrangement that brought workers, known as girmitiyas, to the islands. These individuals, mostly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, faced harsh conditions as they worked in sugarcane plantations. Their journey was difficult, but they brought with them languages, traditions, and spirituality that would form the foundation of the Indo-Fijian community.

After serving their contracts, many girmitiyas chose to stay in Fiji, building lives and communities despite facing economic and social challenges. They became an integral part of Fiji, laying down roots that would grow into a rich, multicultural society. By preserving their heritage and blending it with Fijian customs, they created a unique cultural fusion that still shapes Fiji today.

Cultural Fusion: Traditions, Festivals, and Identity

Today, the Indo-Fijian community contributes significantly to Fiji’s cultural landscape. Traditional Hindu and Muslim festivals such as Diwali and Eid are celebrated widely, illuminating Fiji’s towns and villages with lights, color, and shared joy. Temples and mosques stand alongside churches, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities.

Indo-Fijians have also integrated traditional Fijian elements into their lives, from cuisine to language. This blending of cultures is evident in dishes like fiji curry, which combines Indian spices with Fijian ingredients. The Fijian concept of bula (well-being and friendliness) resonates with the Indo-Fijian community, aligning with values of hospitality and mutual respect deeply rooted in Indian culture

Resilience and Challenges: A Path to Identity

Throughout Fiji’s history, the Indo-Fijian community has faced challenges, including political instability and ethnic tensions. Despite these struggles, they have remained resilient, advocating for equal rights and contributing to Fiji’s political and economic development. Indo-Fijians have taken on roles in business, politics, education, and the arts, enriching Fiji while maintaining a connection to their Indian heritage.

This resilience has strengthened the bond between India and Fiji. India has consistently supported Fiji, especially in times of need, while Indo-Fijians act as cultural ambassadors, keeping the ties between the two nations vibrant.

A Diplomatic Bridge Between Nations

The Indo-Fijian community has created a bridge between India and Fiji, fostering close diplomatic ties. The governments of both nations collaborate on various fronts, from trade and education to climate action. For instance, India has provided economic assistance to modernize Fiji’s sugar industry, a sector that employs a large number of Indo-Fijians. This collaboration reflects shared values and mutual respect, with each nation supporting the other’s growth.

Recent diplomatic visits, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Fiji, emphasize the importance of this connection. These engagements honor the legacy of the girmitiyas and reaffirm India’s commitment to Fiji’s development, reinforcing a partnership rooted in shared history.

The Future: Strengthening Cultural Bonds

Looking forward, the connection between India and Fiji promises to grow even stronger. The Indo-Fijian community, which makes up around 37% of Fiji’s population, continues to contribute to the country’s multicultural identity. By nurturing their cultural heritage and celebrating their shared history, both India and Fiji reaffirm their commitment to a friendship that transcends borders.

Through festivals, traditions, and resilience, Indo-Fijians keep the legacy of the girmitiyas alive, symbolizing the enduring spirit of India and Fiji. As the two countries face new challenges and opportunities, this cultural bond serves as a reminder of their shared past and a bridge to an even more connected future.