India’s “rock star” Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make a one-day visit to Suva on 19 November.

It underscores the Bainimarama’s Government’s stature and reinforces the close ties which have been developed with India, the emerging Asian superpower.

Official comment or confirmation could not be obtained before this edition went to press. But multiple well placed sources have confirmed this major visit is going to happen.

Mr Modi has transformed the face of Indian politics after the resounding win by his Bharatiya Janata Party this year. He was previously the highly praised and successful chief minister of Gujarat state.

Since becoming the Prime Minister, Mr Modi has drawn big crowds at home and abroad, including recently in America where he was given “rock star” billing.

Mr Modi will be in Australia for the G20 summit and will visit Fiji afterwards, our sources said. He would be the first Indian leader to visit Fiji since Indira Gandhi in 1981.

Ties between Fiji and India – the world’s biggest democracy – have been strengthened under the Bainimarama Government.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum have both been given high level welcomes on visits to India.

Mr Modi’s visit comes amidst reports of other international visits to Fiji.

Well placed sources confirm that Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will also be coming to Suva soon. She will speak at the Fiji Australia Business Council meeting to be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Another world leader is tipped to be in the country in November for two days.

Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola is also expected to meet the President Francois Hollande in Noumea during the French leader’s expected visit there.

All this reinforces how the Bainimarama Government has built Fiji’s ties and standing globally.

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