Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence in September 2025 witnessed a significant intensification of India’s engagement with the Pacific Island Countries, primarily through the official visit of Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margerita. This event, coinciding with the participation of the Indian Naval Ship INS Kadmatt in commemorative events, underscores a burgeoning strategic partnership driven by evolving geopolitical dynamics and shared economic interests. The visit, a direct follow-up to the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit held in Port Moresby in May 2023, demonstrates India’s growing ambition to become a dominant security and economic influence within the region.
The primary catalyst for this deepening engagement is, in part, a shifting security landscape. China’s increasing maritime presence and influence throughout the Pacific, notably through its Belt and Road Initiative, represents a substantial challenge to established regional power dynamics. India, seeking to counter this trend and establish a counter-balance, has been proactively strengthening its security ties with nations like PNG. The presence of the INS Kadmatt – participating in a week-long review from August 30th to September 8th – served as a visible demonstration of India’s naval capabilities and commitment to regional security. According to a recent report by the Lowy Institute, “India’s ability to project naval power into the Pacific, even if limited, is a potent signal of intent and offers a tangible alternative to Chinese initiatives.”
Economic cooperation forms a crucial component of this evolving relationship. Papua New Guinea, rich in mineral resources including copper, gold, and oil, represents a strategically valuable partner for India’s burgeoning manufacturing sector and growing demand for raw materials. Furthermore, India’s focus on developing a domestic textile industry provides a significant market opportunity for PNG’s burgeoning textile exports. As Dr. Fiona McMillan, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, noted, “India’s investment in PNG’s textile sector isn’t simply a commercial venture; it’s about establishing a reliable supply chain and fostering economic diversification within PNG.” Initial discussions focused on establishing trade agreements and exploring opportunities for technology transfer.
The visit also included targeted engagement with the significant Indian diaspora community in Papua New Guinea, estimated at over 3,000 individuals. Minister Margerita addressed a community event organized by the High Commission, reaffirming the Indian government’s commitment to their welfare and recognizing their contribution to strengthening bilateral ties. This engagement reflects a broader trend of India proactively addressing the concerns and aspirations of its citizens residing abroad, recognizing them as crucial ambassadors of Indian policy. “The diaspora represents a powerful link between India and the Pacific,” stated John Davies, an economist specializing in Pacific trade. “Their presence provides a constant channel for information exchange, cultural understanding, and ultimately, economic integration.”
Looking ahead, the short-term (next 6 months) likely scenario involves continued dialogues and collaborations on trade agreements and infrastructure development. India is expected to increase its investment in PNG’s port facilities, aiming to bolster maritime trade and supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, ongoing discussions surrounding defence cooperation, potentially involving joint naval exercises or technology sharing, remain a key priority. Longer-term (5-10 years), the possibility of a formalized security partnership, potentially encompassing defense training and intelligence sharing, cannot be ruled out, contingent on the evolving geopolitical environment. The trajectory of China’s engagement in the Pacific will continue to exert a powerful influence, demanding a sustained and adaptable Indian strategy. The strengthening of the FIPIC framework offers a dedicated platform for sustained cooperation and strategic alignment. Ultimately, India’s deepening engagement in Papua New Guinea represents a calculated, albeit nascent, move toward becoming a strategically relevant player in the Indo-Pacific region, a move underpinned by economic opportunity and a desire to address evolving security challenges. The next six months will be critical in solidifying the foundations of this partnership.