Fiji has just completed 50 years of independence, and it goes without saying that it has come a long way since British rule ended. Fiji’s High Commissioner to India H.E. Mr Yogesh Punja tells India Empire magazine that “The country’s central position in the Asia-Pacific region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communications and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.” Fiji plays a leadership role in the Pacific Grouping—so crucial to India’s growing interest in the region—alongside Australia, New Zealand, Papua and New Guinea, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Tonga. Our cover feature apart from High Commissioner Punja’s interview looks at the Indo-Fijian bilateral relations, the various high-level visits, the diverse forums and summits for interactions, and commercial and economic ties. It also visits the varied investment opportunities in Fiji. H.E. Mr Punja speaks about the tourism potential that Fiji has for the growing numbers of Indian travelers who now choose newer and faraway destinations to explore, given that air connectivity options have risen tremendously in recent years.

Elsewhere in the magazine our Photo Editor Sipra Das travelled to Ambala along with the Indian Air Force to bring you pictures of the Rafale fighter aircraft landing in this cantonment town in the state of Haryana. Present on the occasion among others were India’s Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh, France’s Minister for the Armed Forces Mrs Florence Parly and France’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr Emmanuel Lenain.