Will MoS Margherita Celebrate Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Day?

Port Moresby/New Delhi, Sept 13 (NationPress) The Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, is set to visit Papua New Guinea (PNG) on September 16 to represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the celebrations commemorating the country's 50th anniversary of independence.

This visit, made at the invitation of the PNG government, will include bilateral discussions with the nation’s political leaders. MoS Margherita will also engage with the Indian diaspora and local business communities during his stay.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), "In light of the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held in May 2023 in Port Moresby, this visit by MoS Margherita will serve as a platform to further our collaboration with leadership in Pacific Island Countries (PICs)."

Recently, the Indian Navy's indigenous ASW Corvette INS Kadmatt arrived at Port Moresby to partake in PNG's 50th Independence Day celebrations, symbolizing the strengthening of maritime ties between India and PNG. This goodwill visit underscores India’s commitment to fostering engagement with Pacific Island nations under its Act East Policy, promoting peace, stability, and comprehensive growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key features of this visit include participation of the INS Kadmatt in the official Independence Day Parade and cultural events, celebrating the shared democratic values and heritage of both nations. The crew will collaborate with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to explore opportunities in maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts. The ship also hosted the PNG Chief of Defence Forces onboard, highlighting the Indian Navy's journey towards ‘Aatma Nirbharta’ in defense.

This visit follows the momentum generated by PM Modi's groundbreaking trip to PNG earlier in 2023, during which both nations pledged to enhance bilateral ties, expand development partnerships, and strengthen defense cooperation.

PM Modi traveled to Port Moresby for the joint hosting of the FIPIC III Summit alongside PNG's Prime Minister, James Marape.

Established in 2014, FIPIC includes India and 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), such as Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Earlier this year, MoS Margherita visited the Philippines and the Pacific Island nations of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to advance bilateral relations in alignment with India's Act East policy and broader Indo-Pacific vision.

At the invitation of the Palau government, Margherita attended the inauguration of Surangel Whipps Jr. as President for his second term, Raynold Oilouch as the new Vice President, and the 12th Constitutional Government of the Republic of Palau on January 16. He met with the President and visited Peleliu Island, where he formally presented 12 water tanks donated by the Government of India for rainwater harvesting to the Governor of the Island. This marked the first visit by the Minister of State for External Affairs to Palau.