New York, September 23, 2026

Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) as a practical platform for advancing sustainable development and meaningful cooperation between India and the Pacific Island Countries (PICs).

The FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened in New York on 23 September 2026, on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, providing an opportunity for Ministers to take stock of the progress since the Third FIPIC Summit, hosted by Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby in May 2023, and to identify priority areas for the next phase of India-Pacific cooperation.

Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to strengthening FIPIC implementation priorities and to working closely with India and fellow Pacific Island Countries to ensure that the partnership delivers practical, sustainable and measurable outcomes for the people of the Pacific.

Minister Tkatchenko highlighted the successful cooperation and implementation of the FIPI commitments including the Jaipur Foot Camp held in Port Moresby in July 2024, which assisted approximately 300 amputees, as a tangible outcome of the FIPIC partnership.

Minister Tkatchenko called for renewed momentum in health cooperation, including the convening of the Joint Working Group under the 2016 Joint Understanding on Health Sector Cooperation, progressing the proposed provision of four sea ambulances, and continuing technical dialogue on pharmaceutical and drug regulatory cooperation. He also welcomed the arrival of 12 haemodialysis machines for Port Moresby General Hospital and sought India’s continued support for operator trainings ahead of their commissioning.

PNG identified a number of priority areas for further practical cooperation with India. In the water sector, PNG sought an update on the proposed Indian Government-funded water desalination plant project in Gulf Province, including progress to date, technical and implementation arrangements, funding considerations and the way forward.

On digital cooperation, Minister Tkatchenko acknowledged the 2024 agreement between PNG and India on Digital Public Infrastructure as a strong example of practical cooperation.

Minister Tkatchenko also expressed PNG’s appreciation for the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, through which more than 50 Papua New Guineans participate annually in fully funded training. He encouraged consideration of an expanded intake, particularly in areas relevant to project management, development cooperation and aid coordination.

Furthermore, Minister Tkatchenko reaffirmed its support for India’s engagement on United Nations Security Council reform and the broader consideration of permanent membership, while emphasising the importance of continued consultation on shared international priorities.

Minister Tkatchenko thanked India for convening the FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to working with India and fellow Pacific Island Countries to strengthen FIPIC implementation and ensure that the partnership continues to deliver practical outcomes for the Pacific.

The Foreign Ministers FIPIC Meeting reinforced the importance of building resilient, genuine, sustainable and practical partnerships between India and the Pacific, with a strong focus on translating commitments into tangible development outcomes.