India: Modi in Papua New Guinea, in a context of struggle for influence with China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arrival in Papua New Guinea, May 21, 2023. AFP - ANDREW KUTAN

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Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, is visiting Papua New Guinea this Sunday, May 21, as part of his Pacific tour. Its objective: to strengthen ties between the two countries and counter influence with China. Narendra Modi will exchange with the leader of the island and launch the Forum for the Indo-Pacific Islands.

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With our correspondent in Bangalore, Côme Bastin

Usually, the island nation does not welcome any leader after sunset. But an exception was made for Narendra Modi. He set foot on Papua New Guinea soil for the first time on 21 May and met with its Prime Minister, James Marape.

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. pic.twitter.com/9pBzWQ6ANT

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 21, 2023

After a visit to Japan for the G7, Narendra Modi will stay two days on the Pacific island. On Monday 22 May, he will inaugurate the third edition of the Indo-Pacific Islands Forum, which brings together 14 countries from the region.

Papua ranks among the last in the world in terms of human development, but it is the largest country in the Pacific. A strategic relationship for Indian diplomacy, explains Harsh Pant, vice president of the ORF Geopolitical Institute in New Delhi:

« China is providing significant aid and building infrastructure in Papua. This country does not want to be involved in the rivalry between China and the United States, but I think India can be an attractive partner there. The Indian government, increasingly active in the South Pacific region, launched the Forum in 2014. We will surely discuss investments in green energy and digital technology. »

At the end of this visit, Narendra Modi will visit Australia.

#WATCH | Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape seeks blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon latter's arrival in Papua New Guinea. pic.twitter.com/gteYoE9QOm

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2023

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  • India
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Narendra Damodardas Modi
  • China