In a unique display of cultural traditions and respect, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape touched the feet of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter’s visit to the country. The gesture, seen as a mark of reverence, has sparked intrigue and speculation, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut attributing it to the belief in black magic prevalent in Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea as part of his three-nation tour, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister to the country. The warm welcome he received from Prime Minister Marape included the surprising act of touching his feet. Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena party, suggested that the people of Papua New Guinea, renowned for their practice of black magic, mistook Modi for a great magician who would impart magical knowledge to them.
“The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) needs to understand the history of the country Papua New Guinea. The country is full of black magic. People in the country practice a lot of black magic. They thought some big magician had come from India and he would teach them magic, so they greeted him that way,” explained Sanjay Raut.
However, Raut emphasized that while the act should be respected as a mark of reverence for an elderly person, the BJP’s reaction to the incident was unnecessary and blown out of proportion. He compared it to the instances when Indian leaders like Pandit Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi were greeted with similar gestures during their international visits.
During his stay in Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Modi also received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora residing in the country. They enthusiastically cheered him on and took selfies with the prime minister, further showcasing the strong bond between the two nations.
The historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Papua New Guinea signifies the growing importance of bilateral relations and the Indian government’s commitment to deepening ties with countries in the Pacific region. The trip follows Modi’s successful visit to Japan and precedes his next destination as part of his three-nation tour.
As the news of the unique gesture spreads, it highlights the diversity of customs and traditions around the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating different cultural practices, even if they may seem unconventional or unfamiliar to some.
The warm reception and respect shown by Prime Minister Marape towards Prime Minister Modi provide a symbolic representation of the close ties between India and Papua New Guinea. The incident also serves as a catalyst for discussions on cultural exchanges and understanding between nations, fostering a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Papua New Guinea will undoubtedly strengthen the existing bonds and open new avenues of cooperation, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
