Jakarta : &nbsp;A separatist group on Saturday attacked civilians in Nduga district of Indonesia's eastern Papua province, killing 10 people and seriously injuring two others, a police spokesperson said.The group, which the Indonesian government calls "a criminal armed group (KKB)," separately launched attacks at four sites in the district, provincial police spokesperson Ahmad Mustafa Kamal said.One of the attacks was an ambush of a truck carrying civilians, conducted by 20 members of the group armed with three long rifle guns and one pistol, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Kamal."When the truck was stopping, it was shot (several times) from a distance of 50 meters," the spokesperson told Xinhua via phone.According to him, bodies were recovered and injured persons found at the ambush spot and three other sites of the attacks."Totally, 10 people were killed, and two others suffered from injuries. They all are civilians," he said. ---(IANS)

 A separatist group on Saturday attacked civilians in Nduga district of Indonesia's eastern Papua province, killing 10 people and seriously injuring two others, a police spokesperson said.

 10 civilians killed, 2 wounded in attacks by separatist group in Indonesia's Papua

Hiroshima: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the Japanese city that would host the G7 summit and the third in-person meeting of the Quad leaders.
Modi has begun his three-country trip to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, where he is scheduled to attend more than 40 events.
Officials have stated that he will meet with more than two dozen foreign leaders in summits and bilateral encounters.
I'm looking forward to talking with the G7 and the other invited partners about the world's problems and how we can solve them together. While in Hiroshima for the G7 Summit, I will also be interacting with other leaders individually," Modi stated in his farewell message.
India's presidency of the G20 this year makes my participation in this G7 conference all the more significant. I'm excited to have the opportunity to discuss global issues with the G7 and other invited partners and hear their perspectives on the importance of working together to find solutions.
From May 19-21, Modi will be in Hiroshima largely for the annual summit of the G7 major countries, where he is anticipated to address on global challenges such as food, fertiliser, and energy security.
At the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Modi will meet with other foreign leaders individually.
The United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Japan make up the G-7 group, along with the European Union.
On May 22, he and Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea will co-host the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Modi's final stop on his tour will be Australia, which he will visit from May 22nd to 24th.
After US President Joe Biden postponed his trip to Australia to focus on vital debt-ceiling talks in Washington, the Quad meeting was moved from Sydney to Hiroshima.
According to the White House, the leaders of the United States, India, Australia, and Japan will meet to discuss ways to further strengthen the Quad's cooperation on critical and emerging technologies, high-quality infrastructure, global health, climate change, maritime domain awareness, and other issues of importance to the people of the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi will be the first Indian prime leader to visit Papua New Guinea.
As Modi put it, "I am grateful that all 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC) have accepted the invitation to attend this crucial summit (FIPIC).
During his 2014 trip to Fiji, he officially created FIPIC.
While in Australia, Modi expressed enthusiasm about meeting with his counterpart, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Anthony Albanese.
The first India-Australia annual summit was conducted in March this year in New Delhi, and he is looking forward to the chance their next meeting will provide to "take stock of our bilateral ties and follow up on our first India-Australia annual summit."
"I will also meet the Indian community in Sydney at a special event and interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders," he said.—Inputs from Agencies

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the Japanese city that would host the G7 summit and the third in-person meeting of the Quad leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Hiroshima for G7 and Quad summits

Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea): The United States and Papua New Guinea have signed a new bilateral defence cooperation agreement amid increasing China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, CNN reported. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape signed the pact and a maritime security agreement on Monday during Blinken's visit to the capital Port Moresby. Taking to Twitter, Blinken said, "Met PNG Prime Minister Marape at the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby. We covered many topics, including the successful conclusion of the new Defense Cooperation Agreement. Our two countries are promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Pacific region." In a statement, PNG, Saturday, framed its agreement with the US as an opportunity to advance its infrastructure and capacity for national defence at a time of growing global security concerns. "Papua New Guinea does not have enemies but it pays to be prepared. The territorial dispute is (imminent), as in the case of Ukraine-Russia," the statement said.  This statement came after the pact was announced as this move has sparked controversy in the Pacific Island nation and comes as Washington and China jostle for influence in the region. Washington and its allies are seeking to deter Pacific island nations from forming security ties with China, a rising concern amid tensions over Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory. China has said that any attempt by the self-governed island to secede will trigger military action. "This agreement is not about geopolitics but rather recognizes the country's need to build its defence capabilities because border disputes are inevitable in the future," it said Earlier, on Monday, US State Department released a statement that read, On May 22, Secretary Blinken will sign a Defense Cooperation Agreement, which, when it enters into force, will serve as a foundational framework upon which our two countries can enhance security cooperation and further strengthen our bilateral relationship, improve the capacity of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), and increase stability and security in the region. The United States expects to publish the text of the Defense Cooperation Agreement after entry into force, consistent with U.S. law." The US and PNG militaries already have a cooperative security assistance relationship focused primarily on joint humanitarian exercises and the training of PNG military personnel, according to the State Department. "On May 19, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defence provided the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) with USD 5.4 million worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) funded by the Department of State's Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. The PPE includes ballistic helmets, flak vests with armour plates, elbow pads, knee pads, and eye protection, and will be provided to PNGDF members deployed to the border and domestically for security operations," according to the US State Department statement. "The U.S. Department of Defense also intends to provide PNGDF USD 7 million in support to procure dress uniforms and name tags for the upcoming PNG 50th Independence Celebrations in 2025. This assistance is a step toward deepening the defence relationship between our countries while also demonstrating our commitment, dedication, and investment in the future of PNG," it added. (ANI)

 The United States and Papua New Guinea have signed a new bilateral defence cooperation

US, Papua New Guinea signs new defence cooperation agreement

Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received the highest civilian honour from two Pacific Island countries: Fiji and Papua New Guinea, on the sidelines of the third Forum of India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. Fiji awarded PM Modi with the highest honour: Companion of the Order of Fiji in recognition of his global leadership. "PM @narendramodi has been conferred the highest honour of Fiji, the Companion of the Order of Fiji. It was presented to him by PM @slrabuka," tweeted the Prime Minister's Office. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka conferred PM Modi with the highest honour in the country which is given to only a handful of Non-Fijians. PM Modi said, "...This honour is not just mine but that of 140 crores Indians, of centuries-old India-Fiji relations..." Papua New Guinea also conferred the Companion of the Order of Logohu to PM Modi for championing the cause of unity of Pacific Island countries and spearheading the cause of the Global South. Very few non-residents of Papua New Guinea have received this award. In a tweet, the Prime Minister's Office said, "Papua New Guinea has conferred the Companion of the Order of Logohu on PM Narendra Nodi. It was presented to him by Papua New Guinea Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae." "An honour emblematic of the depth of India-Papua New Guinea relationship. Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae of Papua New Guinea conferred PM Modi with the country's highest civilian award, Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu (GCL)," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. PM Modi has also been accorded the "Ebakl Award" of Palau by President Surangel Whipps Jr, on the sidelines of the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, "Had a wonderful meeting with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau on the sidelines of FIPIC Summit."  The Prime Minister arrived on the second leg of a visit to Papua New Guinea on Sunday after attending G7 Summit in Japan's Hiroshima. After his visit to Papua New Guinea, Modi will travel to Sydney at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. PM Modi arrived in Papua New Guinea on May 21 at the Port Moresby airport where Prime Minister James Marape touched PM Modi's feet and sought his blessings. He co-chaired the 3rd India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit. This is not the first time when PM Modi was conferred with the international awards. In 2016, Saudi Arabia awarded PM Modi with the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the highest honour of Saudi Arabia awarded to non-Muslim dignitaries. In the same year, he received the highest civilian honour in Afghanistan, "State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan". In 2018, PM Modi was conferred with the highest honour of Palestine award the "Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award" which is given to foreign dignitaries. Next year, UAE conferred the highest civilian honour to PM Modi which was the Order of Zayed Award. And in the same year, he received the Order of St. Andrew award, the highest civilian honour in Russia. In 2019, he also received the "Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin," the highest honour of the Maldives awarded to foreign dignitaries and the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, this Bahrain Order which is the first class that is a top honour by the gulf country. Next year, the US government conferred PM Modi with the "Legion of Merit," which is an award of America's Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Bhutan too honoured PM Modi with the highest civilian decoration, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo in December 2021. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received the highest civilian honour from two Pacific Island countries

Papua New Guinea, Fiji confer their highest civilian award to PM Modi

Port Moresby: The United States and Papua New Guinea have signed a new bilateral defence cooperation agreement amid increasing China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, CNN reported. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape signed the pact and a maritime security agreement on Monday during Blinken's visit to the capital Port Moresby. Taking to Twitter, Blinken said, "Met PNG Prime Minister Marape at the U.S.-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby. We covered many topics, including the successful conclusion of the new Defense Cooperation Agreement. Our two countries are promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Pacific region." In a statement, PNG, Saturday, framed its agreement with the US as an opportunity to advance its infrastructure and capacity for national defence at a time of growing global security concerns.
"Papua New Guinea does not have enemies but it pays to be prepared. The territorial dispute is (imminent), as in the case of Ukraine-Russia," the statement said.
This statement came after the pact was announced as this move has sparked controversy in the Pacific Island nation and comes as Washington and China jostle for influence in the region.
Washington and its allies are seeking to deter Pacific island nations from forming security ties with China, a rising concern amid tensions over Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory. China has said that any attempt by the self-governed island to secede will trigger military action.
"This agreement is not about geopolitics but rather recognizes the country's need to build its defence capabilities because border disputes are inevitable in the future," it said
Earlier, on Monday, US State Department released a statement that read, On May 22, Secretary Blinken will sign a Defense Cooperation Agreement, which, when it enters into force, will serve as a foundational framework upon which our two countries can enhance security cooperation and further strengthen our bilateral relationship, improve the capacity of the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), and increase stability and security in the region. The United States expects to publish the text of the Defense Cooperation Agreement after entry into force, consistent with U.S. law."

The United States and Papua New Guinea have signed a new bilateral defence cooperation agreement amid increasing

US, Papua New Guinea Sign New Defence  Cooperation Agreement

Port Moresby: Indian cuisine and millets found a prominent place at the banquet lunch hosted by Prime Minister Modi for the leaders attending the third India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea on Monday.
Modi along with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape co-hosted a key summit between India and 14 Pacific island countries to boost bilateral ties. PM Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit the Pacific nation. The lunch included Khandvi, a popular delicacy from PM Modi's home state of Gujarat; millet and vegetable soup made with Kodo millet and highland vegetables served with cornbread; malai kofta (cottage cheese and vegetable balls simmered in aromatic Indian rich kofta curry); Rajasthani ragi gatta curry, prepared with finger millet and gram flour dumplings cooked in sour gravy; vegetable Kolhapuri (a mix vegetable cooked with traditional Indian onion-tomato gravy) and dal panchmel (special lentils mix cooked in Mewar style).
Millet biryani, vegetable biryani made with nutrient-rich barnyard millet and nannu fulka, bread made with wheat flour were also served.
The menu also included desserts and beverages like masala chaas, drink made with creamy yoghurt and Indian spices; paan kulfi, betel leaves flavoured milk-based Indian dessert and malpua with rabdi, Indian sweet pancake. The inclusion of millets in the menu reflects the importance India gives to millets and the efforts made by the country to raise awareness for food security and nutrition. (Contd On Page 2)


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Indian cuisine and millets found a prominent place at the banquet lunch hosted by Prime Minister Modi 

Khandvi To Kolhapuri-indian Cuisine With Millets Served To Pacific Nations Leaders At Lunch Hosted By PM Modi

Jakarta: A 5.3 magnitude quake jolted West Papua, Indonesia on Sunday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said.  The quake that struck at 0449 GMT, was epicentred at 4.37 degrees south latitude and 140.58 degrees east longitude, Xinhua news agency reported.  Its depth of 46.8 km.
—IANS

A 5.3 magnitude quake jolted West Papua, Indonesia on Sunday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said.

5.3-magnitude quake rocks Indonesia

Sydney: In a tragic turn of events, fifteen lives were lost in Papua New Guinea as widespread looting and arson erupted during a day of protests, according to reports from the Australian state broadcaster ABC on Thursday. The capital, Port Moresby, witnessed eight casualties, while Lae, in the northern part of the country, reported seven deaths, as disclosed by the police.  The unrest originated from a police and public sector protest on Wednesday, initially addressing a pay cut attributed to an administrative glitch. The situation escalated into lawlessness throughout the day, with footage revealing thousands of individuals flooding the streets of Port Moresby, some carrying apparently looted items, while black smoke enveloped the city.  Prime Minister James Marape, in a press conference on Thursday, assured that tensions in the capital had subsided, with additional police deployed to restore order. He explained that the absence of police presence on the previous day led to outbreaks of lawlessness in certain segments of the city.  The United States embassy in Port Moresby cautioned that while police had resumed their duties, the overall atmosphere remained tense, emphasizing the potential for a sudden change in the prevailing calm. Reports of violence in various regions of the country were also received.  Amidst the chaos, Chinese citizens suffered minor injuries, and establishments owned by Chinese nationals faced vandalism and looting, according to the Chinese embassy in the country.  Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the country's high commission was closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that Canberra had not yet received any requests for assistance from Papua New Guinea. Australia regularly supports its neighbor in matters of policing and security.  The police force in Papua New Guinea has grappled with a surge in violent crime over the past year, a challenge acknowledged by Prime Minister Marape, who believes that enhancing security is crucial for attracting foreign investment in the nation's abundant gold and copper resources.  Wednesday's unrest was triggered by a police strike following the discovery of reduced pay packets. The government, via social media, denied the imposition of a new tax on the police force, pledging to rectify any administrative errors leading to the pay shortfall. An official acknowledged on local radio FM100 that the city had "lost control" in the absence of police during the strike.
—Input from Agencies

Papua New Guinea faces turmoil as protests escalate, resulting in casualties. Prime Minister Marape urges calm, while international allies monitor the crisis.

Violent Unrest Claims Fifteen Lives in Papua New Guinea Amidst Protests

Jakarta: Indonesia’s military on Saturday denied using air strikes in a remote, restive part of the country, after a video of a New Zealand pilot kidnapped by Papuan rebels featured him saying military actions had made his position unsafe.
An armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya, kidnapped the pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, on Feb 7, 2023 after he landed a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous area of Nduga.  Nugraha Gumilar, the spokesperson for Indonesia's military, said the rebel group is "always reporting hoax news", after the rebels claimed the military had been dropping bombs onto civilian areas.  Indonesia's military is still trying to save the New Zealand pilot, Gumilar added.  In a video released by TPNPB this week, Mehrtens, who is surrounded by the armed Papua rebels and wearing a dark brown t-shirt and boots, said he is "not safe" following the claimed air strikes.
"Before I was in the safe area, but have been taken again by the Papua military, and it's not so safe for me anymore," he said.  Kogoya of TPNPB, said in a statement that it demanded the Indonesia's military to stop dropping bombs with a helicopter, calling it a "very unbalanced" action.  The rebel group also said it will only release the New Zealand pilot through a negotiation facilitated by the United Nations.  In response to the new development, New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the government is doing everything it can to secure a peaceful resolution and Mehrtens' safe release, including working closely with Indonesian authorities.  A low-level but increasingly deadly battle for independence has been waged in the resource-rich western half of the island of Papua since it was controversially brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969.
—Reuters

Indonesia’s military denies using airstrikes in Papua where a NZ pilot was kidnapped by rebels, amidst claims of unsafe conditions and ongoing negotiations for his release.

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10 civilians killed, 2 wounded in attacks by separatist group in Indonesia's Papua

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10 civilians killed, 2 wounded in attacks by separatist group in Indonesia's Papua

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