India, New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Papua New Guinea on Sunday when he arrived in the country to host the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, extended a special welcome to Indian Prime Minister Modi; he touched PM Modi’s feet while welcoming him.
It is noteworthy that Papua New Guinea does not usually come and give a welcome after sunset to any leader. This was an exception, as PM Modi was welcomed even though he arrived after 10 pm.
India PM expressed his gratitude and 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 which I will always remember. During my visit, I look forward to boosting India’s ties with this great nation.”
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. pic.twitter.com/9pBzWQ6ANT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023
After exchanging warm embraces, PM Marape touched Modi’s feet, and they both hugged. Together, they headed towards the other dignitaries who also came to welcome India’s PM.
Sasindran Muthuvel, the Governor of West New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea, who was part of the reception team for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that PM James Marape touched PM Modi’s feet as a gesture of profound respect.
Moreover, India PM Modi received a very warm welcome as he got a 19-gun salute, guard of honour and ceremonial welcome apart from PM James Marape’s special gesture of receiving him at the airport, said External Affairs Minister Arindam Bagchi.
India and the Pacific Islands share significant bilateral ties. Two years back, in 2021, India received COVID-19 vaccines from India. The nation received this shipment when facing a severe crisis with delays to its vaccination programme.
PM Modi arrived nation after he visited Japan, where he attended the G7 summit and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.
Narendra Modi and James Marape will host the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on Monday. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with James Marape and meet Bob Dadae, the Papua New Guinea Governor General. As per their schedule, on Monday, they will discuss climate change and development.
