President Lalabalavu Receives Letters of Credence from High Commissioner India
January 23, 2025
The President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, today received Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Suneet Mehta at State House.
Before a diplomat officially begins his or her official duties in Fiji, they are required to present Letters of Credence from their respective governments to Fiji's Head of State.
As tradition dictates, a Quarter Guard of Honour consisting of 25 uniformed personnel of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces stood at attention to honour the diplomatic appointee. The introductory meeting between President Lalabalavu and H.E. Mehta was an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
In acknowledging Indian's assistive cooperation and mutual heritage, President Lalabalavu said that the ties between Fiji and India were founded on mutual respect and history and a collective vision for future progress.
Prior to the Fiji posting, H.E. Mehta served as Deputy High Commissioner at the High Commission of India in Canberra from 2021. The diplomat's international portfolio includes service in Madrid, Spain, and Washington D.C., United States of America.