President Droupadi Murmu has embarked on a state visit to Fiji, New Zealand and Timor Leste from 5 -10 August 2024. For the first time, an Indian President will visit Fiji and Timor Leste. The visit is part of the Indian government’s Act East policy announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The policy aims to promote economic, cultural and strategic ties with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
President's visit to Fiji
- During her visit to the Pacific island nation of Fiji, President Murmu will meet with Fijjian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. During her three-day visit from 5 to 7 August, President Murmu will address the 55-member Fijian Parliament.
- Around two-fifths of the population of Fiji is made up of people of Indian descent. They were brought to Fiji by the British as indentured labourers to work in the sugarcane fields of Fiji.
- India is also celebrating the establishment of 75 years of diplomatic presence in Fiji this year. A Commission for India was set up in Fiji in 1948, much before Fiji gained independence in 1970.
Capital of Fiji: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
President's Visit to New Zealand
- After Fiji, President Droupadi Murmu will visit New Zealand for a two-day,8 & 9th August 2024.
- An Indian President will visit New Zealand after eight years. Before President Murmu, President Pranab Mukherjee visited Fiji in May 2016
- She will meet the Governor General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
- She will address an International Education Conference in Wellington, .Around 8000 Indian students study in New Zealand.
- She will also interact with New Zealanders of Indian origin. In the total population of 5 million, around 3 lakhs are of Indian origin.
Capital: Wellington
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
President's Visit to Timor Leste
- For the first time, an Indian President will visit Timor Leste after it gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.
- During President Murmu's visit, she will meet President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala "Xanana” Gusmão.
- India has announced that it will shortly open an Embassy in Timor Leste.
Capital of Timor Leste :Dili
Currency: US Dollar