Papua New Guinea's PM greets Prime Minister Modi by touching his feet
Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), May 21: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Sunday, there was a remarkable moment at the Port Moresby airport when PNG Prime Minister James Marape touched his feet and sought his blessings.
PM Modi landed in the Indo-Pacific nation on the second leg of his three-nation tour.
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 greeting to any leader arriving after sunset. The nation, however, made an exception for PM Modi, who was greeted with a full-fledged ceremonial welcome.
To welcome PM Modi to PNG, a traditional folk dance performance was also organised 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.
- ANI
