India’s Defence Advisor based in Canberra, Australia, Captain (Navy) Chetan Chandegave is in the country on an introductory visit to meet with heads of Fiji’s defence forces.

Captain Chandegave arrived into the country on Monday night and his first visit was to acting Deputy Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander, Captain (Navy) Viliame Naupoto, and Land Force Commander Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho.

Captain Chandegave will also be meeting with the Commissioner of Corrections, Ifereimi Vasu, and senior officers of the Fiji Police Force before returning to Australia on Friday.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun after the meeting at the Commander’s Office at Berkeley Crescent, Suva, Captain Chandegave said India holds Fiji in special regards.

“Fiji is a very beautiful place. It reminds me so much of home and I feel at home here. In a very, very short time, I can see that it is a very warm society and warm people and I am hoping that I will be here more often.

“Fiji is always special for us and we are here in Fiji whenever we can and we look for opportunities for more co-operations with Fiji. During this visit, I got to know the senior leadership. My focus is to improve our defence co-operation with Fiji because there is so much in common and we would like to learn from the good practices of Fiji and incorporate it back in India.”

Captain Chandegave will also be focusing on getting more senior military officers to India for studies.

Colonel Qiliho said India and Fiji’s relationship had become stronger with time and would continue to strengthen.

“We are old friends (Fiji and India) and we look forward to working together for the betterment of both countries and also to continue with our good relations that we have had. The Indian Military has stood by us when others had left and they are still here with us and we are happy that he has taken time to visit us first,” he said.