Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special welcome in Papua New Guinea as he arrived to host the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Prime Minister James Marape, as a gesture of respect, touched PM Modi’s feet while welcoming him to the Pacific Island nation. This ceremonial welcome was an exception to the usual protocol of not conducting such ceremonies after sunset. PM Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Papua New Guinea, arrived after 10 pm local time.
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi tweeted, “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 that I will always remember. During my visit, I look forward to boosting India’s ties with this great nation.” After embracing each other, PM Marape touched PM Modi’s feet, demonstrating deep respect. The two leaders then shared another hug before proceeding to meet other dignitaries present to welcome PM Modi.
PM Modi received a 19-gun salute, guard of honor, and ceremonial welcome, in addition to PM Marape’s special gesture at the airport, according to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
India and Papua New Guinea share strong ties. In 2021, Papua New Guinea received its first major shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from India, which arrived at a crucial time when the country faced delays in its vaccination program due to disruptions in supplies from the global COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme.
PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea followed his participation in the G7 summit in Japan and bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
On Monday, PM Modi and PM Marape will co-host the third FIPIC summit, with a focus on climate change and development. The previous FIPIC summit was hosted by India eight years ago. PM Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with PM Marape and meet Bob Dadae, the Governor General of Papua New Guinea.
“I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this important summit (FIPIC),” said PM Modi. The FIPIC summit will involve leaders from 14 countries and was initiated during PM Modi’s visit to Fiji in 2014.
The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation includes Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
