PM Modi arrives in Papua New Guinea as counterpart touches his feet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (May 21) arrived in Papua New Guinea where he received a warm welcome from Prime Minister James Marape who touched PM Modi's feet to seek his blessings. 

While the country normally doesn't provide a ceremonial welcome for leaders arriving after sunset, a special exception has been made for PM Modi. He will be accorded a full ceremonial welcome. Modi's visit to Papua New Guinea will be the first ever by any Indian prime minister.

"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.

"As a mark of respect, the PM of Papua New Guinea touches the feet of PM Modi," tweeted BJP today (May 21). 

PM Modi will host the third summit of the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) on May 22 (Monday) jointly with his counterpart James Marape. 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.

People from the Indian diaspora also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Papua New Guinea.