Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Inbasekar Sundaramurthi, for his exceptional contributions during his tenure.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the progress made in India-PNG relations under High Commissioner Sundaramurthi’s leadership, noting significant milestones such as the 2023 visit by Indian Prime Minister Hon. Narendra Modi. This visit, according to Prime Minister Marape, laid the groundwork for a more robust partnership with India, the world’s fifth-largest economy.

“You have been a good High Commissioner for India to PNG in your time here. I am very happy that during your time here, PNG-India relationships have grown from strength to strength,” Prime Minister Marape stated during his meeting with High Commissioner Sundaramurthi.

The Prime Minister also recognised India’s support to PNG during times of natural disasters, despite the challenges faced within India itself. He remarked, “In the face of your own disasters or problems back in your country, your assistance to us during our recent times of disaster like the landslip at Mulitaka in Enga Province, is very much acknowledged. It shows that you are a true friend and you care for us in our time of need.”

Highlighting the importance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, Prime Minister Marape noted that High Commissioner Sundaramurthi has proposed a reciprocal visit for him to India later this year.

In their discussions, Prime Minister Marape advocated for continued Indian support in education, particularly through the establishment of sister campuses of Indian universities in PNG and the involvement of Indian teachers in local schools. He emphasised the value of ongoing scholarship programmes that enable PNG students to study in India, encouraging greater participation as the two nations continue to strengthen their relationship.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape expressed his commitment to deepening ties with India, welcoming India’s offer of assistance in technology advancement, biometric identification systems, electoral systems, and the supply of medicine.

Prime Minister Marape indicated his intent to finalise a reciprocal visa-on-arrival arrangement with India, which has been pending, in recognition of India’s existing visa-on-arrival policy for PNG citizens.