PM Modi 3-Nation Tour LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, landed in Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby, on Sunday, on his maiden visit to the nation. Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the island nation, hosted a key summit between India and 14 Pacific island countries to boost bilateral ties.
PM Modi started off Monday in Papua New Guinea with a conversation with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae at the historic Government House. He also held talks with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape separately and stressed on strengthening the partnership between the two countries across multiple sectors.
PM Narendra Modi and his Papua New Guinea counterpart PM James Marape also co-hosted the FIPIC III Summit, fostering regional cooperation.
According to External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, discussions between the two prime ministers covered a range of issues, including strengthening partnerships in multiple sectors, climate action as well as promoting people-to-people ties.
FIPIC was launched during Modi’s visit to Fiji in 2014. The summit will take place at a time when China is making efforts to enhance its military and diplomatic influence in the region.
The Indian prime minister arrived here on Sunday evening from Japan where he attended the summit of the G7 advanced economies and held bilateral meeting with several world leaders.
His visit to Papua New Guinea on the second leg of his three-nation tour is the first ever by any Indian prime minister. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister James Marape who touched his feet as a mark of respect.
Normally Papua New Guinea doesn’t give a ceremonial welcome to any leader coming after sunset. But a special exception was made for Prime Minister Modi and a ceremonial welcome was accorded to him.
The FIPIC Summit will see participation from leaders of 14 countries. Normally all of them rarely converge together due to connectivity and other issues, sources said.
FIPIC includes Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
PM Modi will depart Papua New Guinea later in the day for Australia before heading home.