Minister Pabitra Margherita represents India at Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, stepped in to represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India at Papua New Guinea’s grand 50th Independence Day celebrations. The event took place in Port Moresby, where PNG marked its freedom from Australia on September 16, 1975.
On Tuesday, Margherita joined the special Flag Raising Ceremony at Independence Hill. He shared warm greetings from India to PNG’s government and citizens, highlighting the strong bond between the two nations. Later, he met PNG Prime Minister James Marape to pass on heartfelt wishes from Indian leaders, stressing their shared commitment to boosting bilateral ties and people-to-people connections. Margherita even posted about this on X, saying both countries are eager to deepen these relations.
During the festivities, Margherita had fruitful chats with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia. It was a great chance to strengthen India-Pacific ties.
Right from his arrival, a lively group of the Indian diaspora in PNG gave him a warm welcome. This community, numbering over 4,000 strong, acts as a vital link between India and Papua New Guinea. They contribute hugely to cultural exchanges, economic growth, and community efforts, helping build a solid India-PNG partnership. Margherita shared photos of the meet-up on X, praising their role.
Margherita, who also serves as Minister of State for Textiles, didn’t miss out on business talks. He engaged with top PNG business leaders, including Indian entrepreneurs in the textile sector, to explore ways to ramp up bilateral trade between India and Papua New Guinea.
India and PNG share a friendly diplomatic history. India set up its High Commission in Port Moresby in April 1996, after handling relations from Suva and Kuala Lumpur. PNG opened its mission in New Delhi in October 2006. The two nations collaborate closely in global forums like the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the United Nations.
High-profile visits have marked their ties. In 2016, former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee made the first-ever state visit to PNG. More recently, in May 2023, PM Modi visited Port Moresby to co-host the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit with PM Marape. The event drew leaders from 14 Pacific Island countries, and Modi received PNG’s highest civilian honor, the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL). These steps show India’s growing engagement in the Pacific region.
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