‘Somebody is not very happy’: Fiji PM Rabuka backs India amid 50% US tariffs; calls PM Modi ‘big enough to weather discomforts’

Following Washington's imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods set to take effect Wednesday (9.30am IST), Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka expressed confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to handle such challenges.In his statement, Rabuka said, "...The recent announcements of the tariffs (by the United States)...I told him (PM Modi) the other day, somebody is not very happy with you, but then you are big enough to weather those discomforts," as quoted by ANI.Rabuka shared these thoughts during an audience discussion after his lecture on 'Ocean of Peace' at Sapru House, an event organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).The discussion was part of his four-day New Delhi visit, which commenced on Sunday. His spouse, Suluweti Rabuka, accompanied him during the trip.Upon arrival in New Delhi, Prime Minister Rabuka was welcomed at IGI Airport and subsequently met with a cabinet minister. On August 25, he paid respects at Rajghat before his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, which included MoU exchanges and press statements. Later, he met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.His schedule on August 26 included delivering a lecture at Sapru House, organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs. The visit is scheduled to conclude on August 27 with his departure from Delhi.This visit builds upon recent diplomatic exchanges between both nations.The historical connection between India and Fiji began in 1879 with the arrival of Indian labourers ('Girmitiyas') under the indenture system to work in sugarcane plantations. Approximately 60,553 Indians were transported to Fiji between 1879 and 1916. Indian traders began establishing themselves in Fiji in the early 20th century. The indenture system ended in 1920. India maintained diplomatic presence through a Commissioner since 1948, which was elevated to High Commissioner following Fiji's independence in 1970.India is preparing for 50% tariffs on its goods exported to the US, following notification by the Donald Trump administration of an additional 25% tariff rate effective August 27. The US Department of Homeland Security has published a draft order stating that the 25% additional tariff would apply on Indian goods “entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025”. The cumulative tariffs of 25% plus 25% result from the ongoing stalemate in trade negotiations between India and the US, coupled with America's accusations that India's crude oil trade with Russia is indirectly financing the war against Ukraine. India has established red lines for the trade agreement and emphasised the importance of its energy security, thereby refusing to allow the US to dictate its sources for crude oil purchases. The imposition of 50% US tariffs is expected to impact the Indian economy and its exports.