Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Papua New Guinea on Sunday, commencing the second leg of his three-nation tour following his participation in the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
His arrival was met with a gracious welcome from his Papua New Guinean counterpart, James Marape, who even paid his respects by touching Modi’s feet.
Expressing his gratitude, Modi took to Twitter to acknowledge the warm reception, saying, “Reached Papua New Guinea. I am thankful to PM James Marape for coming to the airport and welcoming me. This is a very special gesture which I will always remember. I look forward to boosting India’s ties with this great nation during my visit.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared a video capturing the moment of Prime Minister Marape touching Modi’s feet, emphasizing it as a mark of respect. The significance of this gesture was not lost on observers, as it highlighted the respect and camaraderie between the two leaders.
This historic visit marks the first-ever tour by an Indian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea, further underscoring the importance of the occasion.
Upon his arrival in Port Moresby, the capital city, PM Modi received an exceptional welcome, affirming the significance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The Indian community residing in Papua New Guinea also extended a warm reception to PM Modi. The community members, in large numbers, displayed remarkable affection towards the Prime Minister, creating a memorable experience.
Modi expressed his gratitude to them, stating, “The Indian community in Papua New Guinea came in large numbers and showed remarkable affection. Thankful to them for the memorable welcome.”
AIR News reported, during his stay in Papua New Guinea, PM Modi is scheduled to co-host the third Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) with Prime Minister Marape.
The FIPIC, initiated during Modi’s visit to Fiji in November 2014, comprises India and fourteen Pacific Island Countries. This summit serves as a platform for strengthening cooperation and fostering ties between India and the Pacific Island nations.
In addition to the summit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with his Papua New Guinean counterpart, Mr. Marape, to explore avenues for collaboration in various sectors. He will also meet Governor-General Bob Dadae, further solidifying the diplomatic relations between the two countries, AIR News reported.
After concluding his visit to Papua New Guinea, PM Modi will proceed to Sydney, Australia, where he has been invited by his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, for further discussions and engagements.
Prime Minister Modi’s tour to these nations signifies India’s commitment to deepening partnerships with countries in the Pacific region, aiming to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and expand India’s diplomatic footprint on the global stage. (Edited)
