PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea on Monday to co-chair the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. During his visit, PM Modi engaged in a productive conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House, emphasizing the significance of India-Papua New Guinea ties and the development partnership between the two nations.
The FIPIC Summit, which brings together leaders from India and Pacific Island countries, aims to foster cooperation in various areas, including climate change, sustainable development, blue economy, and maritime security. Fourteen Pacific Island Countries (PICs) actively participated in the summit, highlighting the growing importance of regional collaboration.
Image Source:- PTI
Addressing the delegates at the summit, PM Modi expressed his view that the Pacific Island nations should be recognized as large ocean countries rather than small island states. He stressed India’s commitment to multilateralism and its support for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, he highlighted the challenges faced by the Global South, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Modi highlighted the challenges faced by the Global South, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The impact of the pandemic was most profound on countries of the Global South. In addition to existing challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, hunger, poverty, and health, new problems are emerging. I am pleased that India stood by its friendly Pacific Island countries during these difficult times,” PM Modi stated during his speech.
Narendra Modi’s remarks resonated with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape.
Indian PM’s remarks resonated with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, who thanked PM Modi for assuring him in their bilateral meeting that India, as the host of this year’s G20 Summit, would advocate for issues concerning the Global South. The two leaders discussed the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and promoting the agenda of developing nations on the global stage.
Before the official summit proceedings began, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Marape, where they discussed various aspects of mutual interest and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation. The Indian Prime Minister also met with Papua New Guinea’s Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, further solidifying the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Image source : Twitter (@MEAIndia)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, took to Twitter to highlight the importance of PM Modi’s visit. “PM Narendra Modi starts the day in Papua New Guinea with a warm conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House. Underlined the significance of India-Papua New Guinea ties and development partnership between the two countries,” tweeted Bagchi.
The visit of PM Modi to Papua New Guinea deepens bilateral ties and underscores India’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. As the co-chair of the FIPIC Summit, India aims to collaborate with Pacific Island countries to address shared challenges, promote sustainable development, and strengthen maritime security.
PM Modi’s engagement with leaders from the Global South and his focus on issues crucial to developing nations further solidify India’s role as a significant player in international affairs. With the upcoming G20 Summit, India is poised to advocate for the interests of the Global South and contribute to shaping a more equitable and inclusive world order.