What happened?
On 16 September 2025, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita called on James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, during his official visit to attend the country’s 50th Independence Day celebrations. Earlier in the day, Margherita arrived in Port Moresby and expressed his enthusiasm for the celebrations.
Why it matters to India
At the invitation of the Government of Papua New Guinea, MoS Margherita’s visit provides an opportunity to strengthen India’s engagement with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). During his visit, he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the political leadership of Papua New Guinea and engage with the Indian diaspora and the local business community. Following the historic 3rd Summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2023 in Port Moresby, this visit continues the momentum of India’s outreach to the Pacific Islands. His visit also comes shortly after the Indian Navy band participated in the military tattoo as part of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, reaffirming growing maritime and cultural ties between the two countries.