PM Modi's 3 Nation Tour: A Momentous Diplomatic Endeavour

Sujeet Kumar

In a remarkable display of India's international diplomacy, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a momentous five-day visit to three countries, commencing on 19th May 2023. This journey witnessed his active participation in three significant multilateral summit meetings held in Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Prime Minister Modi's visit to the G7 summit and subsequent engagements have catapulted India into the global spotlight, reaffirming its growing influence and prominence.

Japan: The prime focus of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit was the G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan from 19th to 21st May 2023. It is worth noting that India's invitation to the G7 summit, along with other prominent nations, highlights the country's increasing prominence on the global stage. During the summit, Prime Minister Modi's interventions covered a broad range of themes, including peace, stability, prosperity, and addressing crucial concerns such as food, fertiliser, and energy security. At the G7 summit, Prime Minister Modi actively engaged with various world leaders. His meetings with key figures such as UN Chief Antonio Guterres, Japanese Premier Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak further solidified India's proactive and nuanced approach to international relations, reflecting the country's dedication to forging mutually beneficial partnerships and addressing global challenges. During the bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Modi focused on strengthening partnerships across sectors, including trade, investment, defence, technology, agriculture, and clean energy. He also emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, particularly in the IndoPacific region. Prime Minister Modi's interaction with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine was on the sidelines of the G7 Summit was keenly watched by the world. Addressing Presiden Zelenskyy, PM Modi observed that for him the conflict in Ukraine was not merely a political or economic issue but an issue of humanity, and of human values. Appreciating Ukraine's co-operation in the safe evacuation of Indian students, Prime Minister Modi conveyed India's unwavering support for dialogue and diplomacy as a way forward, promising that India would do everything within their means to suggest a solution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With each interaction, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation for addressing global challenges. These diplomatic endeavours have cemented India's position as a key player in advancing peace, stability, and prosperity worldwide.

Papua New Guinea: From Hiroshima, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proceeded to Papua New Guinea with the agenda of participating in the third summit India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). It is noteworthy that the FIPIC Summit witnessed the participation of leaders from 14 countries, a rare convergence due to connectivity and other challenges. The inclusion of countries such as Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu demonstrated the shared vision for regional cooperation and development. Addressing the opening session of the FIPIC-3 summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Shri Modi spoke in favour of a free and open IndoPacific region. He focused on India's commitment to assisting the development goals of the member countries of FIPIC and said New Delhi will continue to help the Pacific Island states in "every possible" way. The visit also included talks with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape and Governor-General Bob Dadae. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Marape co-hosted the India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit, emphasising regional cooperation and opening avenues for enhanced bilateral ties. The two Prime Minister's recognised the potential for collaboration in trade and investment, health, capacity building, skill development, IT, climate action, and people-to-people ties. The launch of the Tamil classic 'Thirukkural' translated into the Tok Pisin language of Papua New Guinea further exemplified the efforts to bring Indian thought and culture, closer to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Australia: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a visit to Australia despite the cancellation of the Quad summit in Sydney after US President Joe Biden suddenly called off his trip. During a joint conference with his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, PM Modi raised the issue of attacks on temples in Australia while expressing confidence in the assurances provided by PM Albanese to take strict actions against any elements responsible for such acts in the future. The two leaders expressed their shared vision for elevating the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to greater heights over the next decade. This forward-looking approach emphasised their commitment to addressing global challenges, promoting regional stability, and harnessing the potential of IndoPacific Cooperation. The convergence of their visions and aspirations strengthens the foundation of the India-Australia relationship and underscores its strategic significance. PM Modi also capitalised on the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in Australia including Governor-General David Hurley with whom he discussed various topics of mutual interests including bilateral trade, investment, and business relationship. Both sides reiterated their shared ambition for the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, signaling their determination to enhance economic collaboration and promote shared prosperity. PM Modi also interacted with CEOs of top Australian companies underscoring India's commitment to fostering robust economic partnerships by harnessing the potential of economic diplomacy and driving growth for both India and Australia.

(The author is a Delhi-based correspondent for an international news platform. He can be reached at sujeetkjourno@gmail.com).

Views expressed are personal