Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with the highest honour of Fiji by its premier Sitiveni Rabuka in recognition of his global leadership, in a rare honour for a non-Fijian.

Modi was also bestowed with Companion of the Order of Logohu, the highest civilian award in Papua New Guinea. He was presented by PNG Governor General Sir Bob Dadae.

“An honour emblematic of depth of 🇮🇳-🇵🇬 relationship,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated on twitter.

Modi arrived here in Papua New Guinea on Sunday on his maiden visit to the country to host a key summit between India and 14 Pacific island countries to boost bilateral ties.

“Big Honour for India. Prime Minister Modi has been conferred the highest honour of Fiji by the PM of Fiji: Companion of the Order of Fiji in recognition of his global leadership. Only a handful of Non-Fijians have received this honour to date,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India and to the generations of the Fiji-Indian community, who have played a key role in the special and enduring bond between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Twitter.

Earlier, in an address at the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation) summit, Modi also spoke about the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and other global developments and said those considered “our confidants, it was found that they did not stand by us in the time of need.”

The prime minister also underlined the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific for the Pacific island nations and said India respects the sovereignty and integrity of all countries.

The prime minister’s comments at the summit in the capital city of Papua New Guinea came amid China’s aggressive behaviour in the region as well as its efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific island nations.

“India respects your priorities. We are proud to be your development partner — be it humanitarian aid or your development, you can see India as a reliable partner. Our approach is based on human values,” Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the country, said.

In his opening remarks at the summit attended by top leaders of 14 Pacific Island Nations in this capital city of Papua New Guinea, Modi also spoke about the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and other global developments on supplies of food, fuel, fertilizer and pharma products.

“Those whom we considered our confidants, it was found that they did not stand by us in the time of need. In this time of difficulty, the old saying proved true: a friend in need is a friend indeed,” Modi said without naming any country.

“I am glad that India stood shoulder to shoulder with its Pacific Island friends in this challenging time. Whether it is a vaccine made in India or essential medicines; be it wheat or sugar, India continued to help all fellow countries according to its capabilities,” he said.

The prime minister also reaffirmed India’s strong support for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

“Like you, we believe in multilateralism; support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and respect the sovereignty and integrity of all countries,” Modi said.

The prime minister said India is ready to expand cooperation with the Pacific island nations.

“We are ready to share our abilities and experiences with you without any hesitation — be it digital technology or space technology, be it health security or food security, be it climate change or environmental protection. We are with you all the way,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted India’s priorities under its G20 presidency.

“This ocean of yours connects India with you. In Indian ideology, the whole world has been seen as one family. The theme of our G-20 Presidency this year — ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ — is also based on this ideology,” he said.

“In January this year, we organised the Voice of Global South Summit. Your representatives participated in it…India considers it its duty to convey the concerns, expectations and aspirations of the Global South to the world through the G20,” he added.

Modi also asserted that the voice of the global south should be a priority for the UN Security Council.

“For this, reform of international institutions should be our shared priority,” he said.

The summit was co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi along with his counterpart from Papua New Guinea, James Marape.

India’s engagement with the 14 Pacific Island Countries (PICs) is part of New Delhi’s Act East Policy.