President Droupadi Murmu to Embark on Historic State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste

President Droupadi Murmu is set to make a historic State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste from August 5-10, 2024, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and advance the Act East Policy.

President Murmu's visit to Fiji on August 5-6 will be particularly notable as it will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Head of State to the island nation. Invited by H.E. Mr. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, President of Fiji, President Murmu will engage in bilateral discussions with both President Katonivere and Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Sitiveni Rabuka. Her visit includes an address to the Fijian Parliament and interactions with the Indian diaspora, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the two countries. This visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Fiji.

The second leg of the tour will take President Murmu to New Zealand from August 7-9 at the invitation of H.E. Rt. Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor General of New Zealand. During her stay, President Murmu will meet with Governor General Kiro and Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Christopher Luxon to discuss avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation. She is also scheduled to address an education conference and engage with the Indian community and friends of India in New Zealand, reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Concluding her trip, President Murmu will visit the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on August 10 at the invitation of President H.E. Mr. José Ramos-Horta. This visit is particularly significant as it will be the first by an Indian Head of State to Timor-Leste. During her time there, President Murmu will hold bilateral talks with President Horta and will be called upon by Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Kay Rala "Xanana” Gusmão. Her interactions with the Indian community in Timor-Leste will further strengthen the cultural bonds between the two countries.

President Murmu’s State Visit to these three nations highlights India’s strategic emphasis on its Act East Policy, first articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014. The visit aims to reinforce India’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste, reflecting the country’s growing engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.