Indian PM Narendra Modi Receives Rare Gesture of Respect from Papua New Guinea’s Marape
Breaking Protocol and Getting a Warm Welcome Upon Arrival in Papua New Guinea
The first Indian prime minister to step foot in the island nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a historic visit to Papua New Guinea. This visit is crucial because India wants to fend against China’s expanding influence in the Pacific. Just after 10 p.m. local time, PM Modi landed in Port Moresby’s capital city when an unexpected and spectacular occurrence occurred there.
Breaking the Rules: A Deep Symbol of Respect
By caressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s feet as he landed, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape broke with tradition in a way that had never been done before. Many were shocked by this action since it goes against what Indian society usually views as a show of utmost deference and respect. It demonstrated Marape’s intense respect and adoration for PM Modi and served as a visual representation of the power and influence India has under his rule.
BJP Response: Grateful for the gesture
The political party that PM Modi is a part of, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), expressed praise and gratitude for the heartwarming act. The BJP’s national spokesperson, Sambit Patra, called it a “remarkable gesture” and posted on Twitter about it. He said,
In a remarkable gesture, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea pays respects to the Hon’ble PM Shri
@narendramodi Ji by touching his feet. This profound visual exemplifies India’s growth and influence under the leadership of PM Modi.
Another BJP spokesperson, Jaiveer Shergill, also took to Twitter to react to the video, emphasizing the importance of respect and how it reflects India’s strength and standing in the world. He tweeted,
As they say respect is earned & this video of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape greeting PM Modi shows India’s strength, respect in world under strong well meaning leadership of PM
@narendramodi Ji . Jai Hind
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, a filmmaker, added his praise and said,
Wow! Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape touches feet of Indian Prime Minister
@narendramodi. Proud to have a
@PMOIndia who brings home so much love, confidence and respect for India.
The Significance of the Rare Gesture
The fact that Prime Minister Marape touched PM Modi’s feet is significant, not only because it is unusual but also because of the circumstances. Leaders coming after sundown are often not accorded a formal greeting in Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Modi, however, received special treatment, demonstrating the regard and esteem he enjoys on a global scale. A 19-gun salute, guard of honour, and ceremonial greeting were all featured in the big welcome, which served to highlight the respect PM Modi received when he was in town.
Prime Minister Modi also tweeted, “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,” Modi tweeted.
PM Modi also shared some more glimpses from a very special welcome in Papua New Guinea.
Later on PM Modi thanked the Indian community in Papua New Guinea by tweeting, “The Indian community in Papua New Guinea came in large numbers and showed remarkable affection. Thankful to them for the memorable welcome.”
Strengthening Ties: The Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit
Organising the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) with Prime Minister Marape is the main goal of PM Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea. Given China’s growing attempts to increase its military and political dominance in the area, this meeting is extremely important.
Inclusion and Connectivity: 14 Pacific Island Countries Participate
There will be representatives from 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) at the FIPIC Summit. This meeting is very significant since it brings together leaders from countries that don’t often interact because of connectivity and geographic barriers. Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, and Palau are among the participating nations.