Suva, Fiji : Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance, has launched a month-long capacity-building initiative in Fiji in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Service, Government of Fiji, and with the support of the High Commission of India in Fiji.
Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the initiative aims to strengthen professional competencies, institutional preparedness and knowledge exchange between India, Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
The initiative comprises three specialised programmes covering international law and security, psychological well-being, and cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Approximately 180 officials from nine countries, including Fiji, are expected to participate.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Mr Luke Rokovada, Chairman, Public Service Commission of Fiji; Shri Suneet Mehta, High Commissioner of India to Fiji; Mr Pita Tagicakirewa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Civil Service, Government of Fiji; and Dr Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of RRU, who joined virtually.
Speaking at the event, Mr Luke Rokovada acknowledged India’s contribution to Fiji’s human resource development and institutional capacity-building, recognising India as Fiji’s largest capacity-building partner. He appreciated RRU’s efforts to extend specialised training opportunities to Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.
Shri Suneet Mehta highlighted the importance of sustained engagement with Pacific Island countries and RRU’s role in strengthening professional training, institutional cooperation and people-to-people connections.
Dr Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University and Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), emphasised the need to bridge the gap between international legal frameworks and their practical application by public institutions.
He said, “My work across international legal diplomacy, scholarship and education has strengthened a simple conviction: international law serves people best when public institutions have the knowledge to put it into practice. As Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University and a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, I attach particular value to strengthening that knowledge.”
Three specialised programmes
The first programme, a 10-day Capacity-Building Programme on Fundamentals of International Law and Security, commenced on November 2, 2026, with 60 participants from nine Pacific countries. It focuses on foundational principles and contemporary developments in international law, their relationship with evolving security challenges, and regional and global concerns.
The second programme, a Six-Day Capacity-Building Programme on Stress Management for Health and Psychological Well-being, is scheduled from November 16–23. It will address stress management, mindfulness, burnout prevention, psychological resilience and peer support. The sessions will also examine the psychological impact of climate change, natural disasters, displacement and digital stress.
The third programme, a Five-Day Capacity-Building Programme on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, is scheduled from November 24–30. It will cover cybersecurity, cybercrime investigation, digital forensics, network security, cyber law and the responsible application of artificial intelligence, including practical demonstrations and exposure to relevant tools and technologies.
RRU’s global capacity-building contribution
Rashtriya Raksha University has been contributing to India’s international capacity-building initiatives through specialised education and professional training for law-enforcement and security personnel.
In collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, RRU has provided specialised training to more than 3,200 law-enforcement officials from 94 partner countries in areas including forensics, cyber education and policing.
Additionally, 52 students from 18 countries across South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Oceania are currently pursuing the University’s two-year Master’s programmes designed for law-enforcement professionals. Through its continued engagement with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries, RRU aims to expand cooperation in international law, maritime security, policing, disaster management, cybersecurity, defence studies and professional education.
The initiative reflects India’s broader commitment to the Pacific region through knowledge-sharing, human resource development and institutional cooperation under the MAHASAGAR vision.