India’s MoS Pabitra Margherita Lauds Diaspora in Hong Kong, Macau Ahead of Papua New Guinea Visit

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, on Sunday praised the Indian community in Hong Kong and Macau for their “invaluable contributions” to strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing India’s relations with the Special Administrative Regions.

During an interaction organised by the Consulate General of India in Hong Kong, Margherita commended the diaspora for deepening bilateral links and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to supporting Indians abroad.

“Their valuable contributions continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and further deepen the bilateral relations between India and Hong Kong and Macau SARs,” he wrote on X after the event.

The minister’s stop in Hong Kong and Macau comes ahead of his scheduled visit to Papua New Guinea on September 16, where he will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at celebrations marking the Pacific nation’s 50th independence anniversary. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Margherita will also hold talks with Papua New Guinea’s political leadership, meet the local Indian community, and engage with business representatives.

The trip follows the 2023 Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit hosted by Prime Minister Modi in Port Moresby, aimed at strengthening ties with Pacific Island nations.

Earlier this month, India underscored its growing partnership with Papua New Guinea as the Indian Navy’s INS Kadmatt and its band joined the country’s Golden Jubilee festivities, including a military tattoo.