India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he's looking forward to regular engagement and more robust cooperation with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
Mr Modi has confirmed 14 island countries will be involved in a summit with India during his visit to Fiji next week.
Speaking on the eve of an overseas tour he said India and the Pacific Islands share similar challenges of climate change but have great opportunities for cooperation.
He says the island states are looking forward to India's leadership role and the meeting will develop new initiatives and a roadmap for joint efforts.
A Secretary in India's Ministry of External Affairs, Anil Wadhwa, says Mr Modi will also address Fiji's newly-established parliament and meet the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and the local community.
Mr Wadhwa says it is an opportunity to deal with Fiji as a democratic nation.
He says Fiji could become India's hub for the Pacific in support for health, education and other areas.
