New Delhi, September 17. Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita visited Papua New Guinea on September 16 to represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the country’s 50th Independence Day celebrations.
During the visit, Margherita called on Prime Minister James Marape, conveying India’s greetings on behalf of the government and people, according to a press statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry on September 17. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors.
India’s participation in the golden jubilee celebrations was also marked by the presence of INS Kadmatt, which joined anniversary events including a fleet review from August 30 to September 8. Separately, President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to Papua New Guinea’s leadership on the historic occasion.
In Port Moresby, Margherita attended commemorative events, including the flag-raising ceremony at Independence Hill. On the sidelines, he held brief interactions with Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
The minister also addressed the Indian diaspora at a community gathering organised by the High Commission of India, assuring continued government support for their welfare and appreciating their role in strengthening ties between the two nations. He further met members of the local business community, including leading textile entrepreneurs, to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Officials said the visit built on momentum generated by the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, chaired by Prime Minister Modi in Port Moresby in May 2023, and reinforced India’s engagement with Pacific Island Countries (PICs).
