India, Papua New Guinea Discuss Ways to Further Enhance Ties
Pabitra Margherita Papua New Guinea Visit Marks New Era in India–Pacific Relations
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Pabitra Margherita, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, India, undertook an official visit to Papua New Guinea on September 16, representing Narendra Modi at the Pacific island nation’s 50th Independence Day celebrations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday that the visit has laid the groundwork for expanding the multi-faceted partnership between the two nations.
During his stay in Port Moresby, Margherita called on James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and conveyed warm greetings from the government and people of India on the golden jubilee of their independence. Both leaders held wide-ranging discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across trade, maritime security, cultural exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives.
India: Diplomatic Goodwill and High-Level Engagements
The visit carried symbolic and strategic weight, with the President of India also sending a congratulatory letter to Bob Bofeng Dadae, the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, extending warm wishes on behalf of India. Separately, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, conveyed his greetings to his Papua New Guinea counterpart Justin Tkatchenko, reinforcing India’s commitment to deepening ties with the Pacific island nation.
Highlighting the growing regional engagement, Margherita also held brief interactions with Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, and Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji. On the sidelines, he also met Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, showcasing India’s proactive diplomacy in the Pacific.
Cultural Diplomacy and Maritime Presence
Marking the historic milestone, the INS Kadmatt participated in the 50th Independence Day celebrations, including a grand fleet review held from August 30 to September 8. Margherita attended the Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill, underscoring India’s solidarity with Papua New Guinea’s journey of nationhood.
Addressing the Indian diaspora at the High Commission of India in Port Moresby, the Minister appreciated their contributions in nurturing people-to-people ties and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their welfare. He also engaged with leading local entrepreneurs, particularly from the textile sector, opening avenues for new business collaborations.
Renewed Commitment to Pacific Engagement
The MEA noted that this visit builds on the momentum of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit chaired by Prime Minister Modi in Port Moresby in May 2023. Margherita’s visit has helped maintain India’s sustained engagement with Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and has reaffirmed India’s vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
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