• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the highest honours of Papua New Guinea and Fiji, in a rare recognition for a non-resident in the two Pacific island nations.

• Modi arrived in Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea on May 21 on his maiden visit to the country to host a key summit between India and 14 Pacific island countries to boost bilateral ties. 

• Governor-General of Papua New Guinea conferred the ‘Companion of the Order of Logohu’ to PM Modi for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of Global South. Very few non-residents of Papua New Guinea have received this award, including former US President Bill Clinton. The recipients of the award are titled “Chief”.

• Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also conferred the country’s highest award to Modi. ‘Companion of the Order of Fiji’ in recognition of his global leadership. Only a handful of non-Fijians have received this honour.

• Modi also held a meeting with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr of the Republic of Palau on the sidelines of the FIPIC Summit. Whipps presented Modi with an Ebakl, one of the most important tools for the people of Palau. Ebaki has a strong link with the local culture. It also symbolises leadership and wisdom.

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