(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita kicked off his first official visit to Papua New Guinea on Monday, September 16, arriving in Port Moresby to join the country’s grand 50th Independence Day celebrations. Representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Margherita is set to make the event even more special by strengthening ties between India and Papua New Guinea.
Right after landing, Margherita shared his excitement on X (formerly Twitter). “Glad to arrive in Port Moresby on my first official visit to Papua New Guinea. Looking forward to joining the 50th Independence Day celebrations, representing Honble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji,” he posted.
Later that day, he had a key meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. During the call, Margherita passed on warm greetings from PM Modi and the people of India, marking PNG’s milestone 50th anniversary. “Honoured to call on Honble James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea. Conveyed warm greetings from PM Shri Narendra Modi ji and the people of India on the occasion of PNG At 50. Both countries remain committed to deepening bilateral and people-to-people ties,” Margherita wrote in another X update.
This visit comes at the invitation of the Papua New Guinea government, as announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) earlier. It’s a big step in boosting India-Papua New Guinea relations, especially after PM Modi’s hosting of the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Port Moresby back in May 2023. The MEA noted that Margherita’s trip will help keep the momentum going with Pacific Island Countries.
During his stay, the minister plans to hold bilateral talks with PNG’s top leaders, chat with the Indian diaspora, and connect with local business folks. It’s all about building stronger people-to-people links and exploring new opportunities.
The timing feels perfect— just days after the Indian Navy band wowed crowds at a military tattoo event for PNG’s Independence Day festivities. With these moves, India is clearly ramping up its engagement in the Pacific region, focusing on friendship, trade, and shared goals.
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