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Papua New Guinea PM Hails India's Modi as Leader of Global South

On Monday, the 3rd first annual Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit kicked off in Papua New Guinea. The FIPIC was launched in 2014 during PM Modi’s visit to Fiji.
Sputnik
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that New Delhi believes in multilateralism and is aimed it boosting the voice of the Global South.
The remarks came as Modi was co-chairing the 3rd FIPIC with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape. Fourteen Pacific Island Countries (PICs) – the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu – are participating in the summit.

“Pacific island nations are not just small island states, but large ocean countries. This ocean of yours connects India with you. In Indian ideology, the whole world has been seen as one family. Our G20 Presidency theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' is reflective of India's ideology of seeing the whole world as one family,” Modi told his counterpart Marape.

Political Affairs
Narendra Modi Calls for UN Reform at G7 Summit

“Like you, we believe in multilateralism; support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and respect the sovereignty and integrity of all countries. For this, reform of international institutions should be our shared priority,” Modi added.

India Pitches UNSC Reform

On Monday, Modi also stressed that the UN Security Council (UNSC) should accentuate the voice of the Global South and for this, “reform of international institutions should be our shared priority.” Earlier, Modi had pitched for reforming the global body during his address in a session on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima.
Raising the question as to why the UN has not been able to establish peace, Modi said that the UN and the Security Council will remain just a “talk shop” if they do not reflect the realities of the present world.
“The United Nations was established with the very purpose of establishing peace. Why does it often fail to prevent conflicts today? Why, even the definition of terrorism has not been accepted in the UN yet?” he asked.
“If introspection is done, then one thing is clear. The institutions created in the last century are not in line with the system of the 21st century. They do not reflect the realities of the present. That is why it is necessary that reforms should be given concrete shape in big institutions like the UN. It will also have to become the voice of the Global South. Otherwise, we will just keep talking about ending conflicts. The UN and the Security Council will become just a talk shop,” Modi emphasised.

'Rallying Behind India's Leadership'

For his part, Papua New Guinea PM James Marape hailed Modi as the “leader of the Global South”, during his address.

“We all come from a shared history, a history of being colonized by colonial masters. [A] history that holds the nations of the Global South together… Our resources have been harvested by tonnes and volumes, but we have been left behind,” Marape said.

“We are victims of global powerplay... You (PM Modi) are the leader of Global South. We will rally behind your (India) leadership at global forums,” Marape further stated, adding that he wants to thank Modi “for assuring him that the Indian Prime Minister will advocate for them as the G20 president”.
Before addressing the forum, Modi and Marape held a bilateral gathering in Port Moresby and discussed cooperation in commerce, technology, and healthcare as well as climate change.
Later, Modi also announced a 12-step action plan to propel India’s partnership with Pacific Island Countries.

Sharing the 12-step action plan, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet: “PM Narendra Modi & PM James Marape successfully hosted the FIPIC III Summit in Port Moresby. PM Narendra Modi announced a 12-step action plan to propel India’s partnership with Pacific Island Countries. It will fulfill the developmental aspirations of the people of the region and consolidate shared vision of a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Modi announced a 12-step action plan to propel India’s partnership with Pacific Island Countries
Modi touched down in Papua New Guinea on Sunday for the second leg of his three-country visit.
The Indian Prime Minister was warmly received by his Papua New Guinea counterpart at Port Moresby airport and upon his arrival. Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour on his arrival and the Indian national anthem was played.
Modi is the first-ever Indian PM to visit the southwestern Pacific nation.
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