Fijians in India, Pakistan Safe Amid Rising Tensions

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured the public that the Government is closely monitoring the safety of its citizens in the region.

Mr Rabuka said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working closely with the Fijian High Commission in New Delhi to track the status of Fijian nationals currently residing in India.

“Our High Commission in Delhi is collecting and collating information about Fijians living in India,” Mr Rabuka said.

“If there are any in Pakistan, we would like to also get information from there.”

The Government’s action follows rising hostilities after the killing of foreign tourists in India, an incident that has intensified scrutiny and speculation over potential cross-border involvement.

“Hopefully, it does not escalate to a scale that would threaten the general population of both countries,” Mr Rabuka said, cautioning against premature retaliation.

“It would be unfortunate if India retaliated against Pakistan and then later found out that those involved were really Indians—Indian nationals—maybe even leaning towards ideologies of some Pakistani elements. It has to be very, very clearly done.”

India and Pakistan have a long and volatile history of conflict, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir.

Any perceived act of terrorism or military aggression often sparks concerns of broader escalation, raising alarms in the international community.

A Fijian student currently residing in West Bengal, India, who asked not to be named, said they felt safe for now.

“We are staying away from areas of concern and monitoring the situation closely,” the student said.

While no Fijians have been reported harmed or directly affected by the situation, Mr Rabuka said contingency planning and diplomatic outreach are ongoing.

“My ministry is collecting all those reports,” he said.

Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, said Fijians were safe in India and there was no cause for concern as the situation was well under control.

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