India and Papua New Guinea (PNG) held the second round of Foreign Office Consultations in virtual mode on June 12, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discussing cooperation in multilateral forums, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday.

The consultations marked the second such engagement between the two countries after the inaugural round held in Port Moresby in 2022. The Indian delegation was led by Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (Oceania) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Papua New Guinea side was headed by Elias Wohengu, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.

According to the MEA, both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of ties and agreed to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors.

Wide-Ranging Issues Reviewed During Consultations

The two countries reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas including development partnership, political engagement, economic collaboration and cultural exchanges.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and discussed cooperation in multilateral forums and the Indo-Pacific region.

The MEA said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening engagement and enhancing ongoing collaboration. It was also agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations would be held in Port Moresby on mutually convenient dates.

India has consistently sought to strengthen cooperation with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations as part of its broader Indo-Pacific outreach.

Growing Engagement Between India And Papua New Guinea

Diplomatic relations between India and Papua New Guinea have steadily expanded over the years. India established its High Commission in Port Moresby in April 1996, while Papua New Guinea opened its resident diplomatic mission in New Delhi in October 2006.

The two countries have maintained close cooperation in international organisations, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement.

High-level exchanges have also contributed to strengthening the relationship. Former President Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian Head of State to visit Papua New Guinea when he undertook a state visit in April 2016.

In May 2023, PM Modi visited Port Moresby to co-host the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. Leaders from 14 Pacific Island countries attended the summit.

Focus On Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India’s engagement with Papua New Guinea has gained momentum amid its growing emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region and deeper ties with Pacific Island nations.

Last year, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented PM Modi at the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence.

During PM Modi’s visit to Port Moresby in 2023, he was conferred the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, Papua New Guinea’s highest civilian honour.

The latest round of consultations underlines the shared commitment of both countries to further expanding cooperation and strengthening their partnership across political, economic and strategic domains.

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