The warm welcome that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received on his arrival in Papua New Guinea on Sunday has touched the hearts of millions of Indians. He had reached the island nation as part of the second leg of his three-nation tour. It was an extraordinary gesture on part of the host Prime Minister James Marape, who personally came to receive PM Modi at the airport and also touched his feet, a rare gesture in the world of diplomacy. This was followed by a hug between the two counterparts, after which PM Modi was introduced to other officials.
PM Marape showed respect for the Indian PM and this has earned him a million Indian fans. Many Indians are searching the net to know more about Marape. The island nation and its prime minister have become a household name in India with all media houses showing the moment of deep mutual respect between the two leaders. PM Marape in one special gesture earned immense goodwill among Indians. If a successful diplomacy is analyzed through body language and impromptu rapport, then PM James Marape clearly got the edge. As touching the feet of elders is something practiced in India and is a mark of great respect. For a foreign leader to do that is something remarkable.
PM Modi himself acknowledged the special welcome that he received on his arrival in his tweet, “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”.
His visit to Papua New Guinea is the first ever by any Indian prime minister as India seeks to counter growing Chinese regional influence. “After a successful visit to Japan, PM @narendramodi emplanes for Papua New Guinea, for the second leg of his three-nation tour,” the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted.
PM Modi also received a grand welcome by the Indian diaspora in Papua New Guinea. They were seen cheering on and clicking selfies with the prime minister.
In Papua New Guinea, PM Modi will host the third summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on Monday jointly with counterpart James Marape. “I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this important summit (FIPIC),” Modi had said earlier.
Normally, Papua New Guinea doesn’t give a ceremonial welcome to any leader coming after sunset. But a special exception was made for Modi and a ceremonial welcome was accorded to him.
“A grand beginning of an important visit! PM @narendramodi arrives in Port Moresby on what is the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea. Accorded a 19-gun salute, guard of honour & ceremonial welcome. As a special gesture, PM James Marape received PM Modi at the airport,” ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.
On Monday, PM Modi and PM Marape will host the third summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). The summit will take place at a time when China is making efforts to enhance its military and diplomatic influence in the region.
“I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this important summit (FIPIC),” Modi had said earlier.
The FIPIC was launched during his visit to Fiji in 2014.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.
PIC includes Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Marape and meet Bob Dadae, the Governor General of Papua New Guinea.
He will also meet New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
See Also: https://indiadiplomacy.in/india-an-indispensable-partner-for-free-open-indo-pacific-japan-pm/
