President Draupadi Murmu Honored with Fiji's Highest Civilian Award

Suva, 06 August (HS) – Indian President Draupadi Murmu commenced her three-nation visit in Fiji’s capital, Suva, where she was honored with the Companion of the Order of Fiji by President Ratu Viliame Mavlili Katonivere. This prestigious award, Fiji's highest civilian honor, symbolizes the deep friendship between India and Fiji. The President's Office shared a pictorial description of the event on X.

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka warmly welcomed President Murmu upon her arrival. After Fiji, President Murmu will visit New Zealand and Timor-Leste, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state to Fiji and Timor-Leste. This tour aims to reinforce the historical ties between the countries.

Jaideep Majumdar, Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, previously outlined the details of President Murmu's visit, emphasizing its significance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy, which focuses on strengthening relations with South-East Asia and the Pacific region. India has been a key development partner for Fiji, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on X that President Murmu’s three-nation visit aligns with the Act East policy. In Fiji, the President will address Parliament and interact with the Indian community.

In the second phase of the visit, President Murmu will be in New Zealand on August 8 and 9, where she will meet Governor General Cindy Kiro and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. She will also speak at an international education conference in Wellington and address the Indian community in Auckland. The final leg of her tour will be in Timor-Leste on August 10.