Papua New Guinea’s PM Touches PM Modi’s Feet, Seeks His Blessing in a Heart Touching Moment
GG News Bureau
Port Moresby [Papua New Guinea], 22nd May. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Sunday, a rare instant was witnessed at the Port Moresby airport where PNG Prime Minister James Marape touched PM Modi’s feet and sought his blessings.
PM Modi arrived in the Indo-Pacific country on the second leg of his three-nation visit.
The Indian national anthem was played upon PM Modi’s arrival, and the two prime ministers stood still in respect. On his arrival, PM Modi was also greeted with a guard of honour.
This is PM Modi’s first visit to PNG, as well as the first visit to the Indo-Pacific country by any Indian Prime Minister.
Papua New Guinea usually does not extend a ceremonial welcoming to any leader arriving after sunset. The nation, however, made an exception for PM Modi, who was greeted with a full-fledged ceremonial welcome.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Papua New Guinea, receives ceremonial welcome.
PM Modi's visit is the first-ever visit by the Indian PM to Papua New Guinea. pic.twitter.com/E0srfABHAv
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2023
To welcome PM Modi to PNG, a traditional folk dance performance was also organized outside the airport.
PM Modi is scheduled to co-chair the 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC III Summit) on Monday during his visit to Papua New Guinea. PM Modi’s counterpart from Papua New Guinea, James Marape, will also be present.
The leaders of 14 countries will attend the FIPIC Summit. Due to connection and other challenges, they rarely converge together.
FIPIC was established during Prime Minister Modi’s 2014 visit to Fiji.
Apart from FIPIC events, PM Modi will meet with Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape, and some of the other PIC Leaders attending the Summit.
PM Modi will travel to Sydney after his visit to Papua New Guinea, at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
PM Modi concluded his outstanding visit to Japan on Sunday and flew to Papua New Guinea.
From May 19 to 24, the Prime Minister is on visit to three countries: Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
This journey includes the G7 and Quad summits in Hiroshima, as well as a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and hosting the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit in Papua New Guinea.
