Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Touches PM Modi's Feet On His Arrival

A rare moment was witnessed at the Port Moresby airport when Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Sunday.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape gave a rousing welcome to his Indian counterpart and touched the latter's feet to seek his blessings. The video of the incident has now gone viral.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea on his maiden visit from Japan where he attended the summit of the G7 advanced economies and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

PM Modi's visit to Papua New Guinea on the second leg of his three-nation tour is the first ever by any Indian Prime Minister. During his visit, he will host a key summit on Monday between India and 14 Pacific island countries to boost bilateral ties.

"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," PM Modi tweeted.

It has to be noted that Papua New Guinea, normally, doesn't give a ceremonial welcome to any leader coming after sunset. But a special exception was made for Prime Minister Modi and a ceremonial welcome was accorded to him, according to a report in PTI.

"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.

The PM was also warmly greeted by the Indian community.

The two leaders will host the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on Monday. It comes 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 Summit will see participation from leaders of 14 countries which include Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu

After this meeting, the Indian PM will head to Sydney at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.