India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar attends World Hindi Conference in Fiji

 India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, recently visited Fiji to attend the World Hindi Conference. The conference was held in Labasa, a town in northern Fiji, and focused on promoting the Hindi language and culture. The minister's visit comes as part of India's efforts to strengthen ties with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.

One of the key themes of the conference was the importance of preserving and promoting the Hindi language. Hindi is one of India's official languages and is spoken by millions of people around the world. The conference brought together scholars, academics, and policymakers from India, Fiji, and other countries to discuss ways to enhance the teaching and learning of Hindi.

In his address at the conference, Minister Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the Hindi language as a tool for cultural exchange and communication. He spoke about the role of language in promoting social cohesion and creating a sense of community, both within India and among the global Indian diaspora.

The minister also highlighted the connections between India and Fiji, noting that the two countries share historical, cultural, and linguistic ties. He praised Fiji's efforts to promote Hindi language education and expressed India's commitment to supporting such initiatives.

In addition to attending the conference, Minister Jaishankar also met with Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, and other senior officials. The two sides discussed a range of issues, including economic cooperation, regional security, and climate change. They also signed several agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

The minister's visit to Fiji was part of a broader tour of the Pacific region, which included stops in Australia and New Zealand. The tour reflects India's growing interest in the region, which is seen as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

In recent years, India has stepped up its engagement with Pacific Island countries, including through increased aid and development assistance. This has been driven in part by concerns about China's growing influence in the region, as well as India's desire to expand its economic and strategic ties.

Overall, Minister Jaishankar's visit to Fiji and attendance at the World Hindi Conference highlights India's commitment to strengthening ties with Pacific Island countries and promoting the Hindi language and culture. The conference serves as a reminder of the important role that language can play in fostering greater understanding and cooperation among peoples and nations.

In conclusion, the World Hindi Conference in Fiji was an important event that brought together scholars, policymakers, and cultural leaders from India, Fiji, and other countries to discuss the importance of promoting the Hindi language and culture. Minister Jaishankar's visit to Fiji underscores India's commitment to deepening ties with Pacific Island countries and strengthening the Indo-Pacific region. Through initiatives such as the World Hindi Conference, India is helping to foster greater cultural exchange and understanding among nations and peoples around the world.