Indian diaspora elated by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea, says ‘We love you Modiji’
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in PNG’s capital Port Moresby on Friday, the Indian diaspora in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was immersed in festival-like celebration.
Members of the Indian community in PNG said they were pleased with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to PNG.
“We love you Modiji. Welcome to Papua New Guinea,” a group of three little girls said cheerfully.
“Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Papua New Guinea will improve PNG’s presence in the South Pacific,” said another person, adding that the world should take inspiration from the kind of development Prime Minister Modi has done in India .
A child was present with a painting of PM Modi and Mahatma Gandhi.
“PM Modi is a selfless leader, he is a world leader and his arrival will improve relations between PNG and India,” said one woman. She added: “Welcome Modiji.”
One man said, “Today PNG Prime Minister Marape touched Prime Minister Modi’s feet. This kind of respect for India was earned by Prime Minister Modi.”
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit will make the whole world know about PNG,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi will co-chair the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Forum (FIPIC III Summit) during his visit to Papua New Guinea on May 22. He will be joined by his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape.
Leaders from 14 countries will participate in the FIPIC Summit. The FIPIC was launched during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Fiji in 2014.
Apart from the FIPIC appointments, Prime Minister Modi will also have bilateral interactions with the Governor General of Papua New Guinea Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape and some of the other PIC leaders participating in the summit.
Following this, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Sydney at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
From 19 to 24 May, the Prime Minister will be visiting three countries for six days: Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia.
This tour includes the G7 and Quad Summits held in Hiroshima and the subsequent bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, hosting the third summit for the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in Papua New Guinea.
With input from agencies.