Indian President pays respect to fallen Indian soldiers, places wreath

President of the Republic of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee this afternoon paid his respect to the fallen Indian soldiers who fought during the World War II in the country.

The President laid his wreath at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby.

It is also believed that about 426 Indian soldiers who were taken prisoner in Malaya and Hong Kong, and brought to New Guinea (then)  by the Japanese were buried at Lae War Cemetery.

Mukherjee arrived in Port Moresby this morning at around 11.40am and was welcomed at the airport by Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion and other government ministers.

The historic two-day visit by President Mukherjee, from April 28-29, will be the first-ever visit by a Head of State of India and South Asia and will mark a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea - India relations.

The president will witness the signing of a number of agreements and projects during this visit, which includes a grant of K7.2 million prescriptions for HIV/AIDS and ancillary equipment; the refurbishing of the Mount Hagen National  and Supreme Courts; Madang-Baiyer Road; and Kimbe Highway in West New Britain Province, totaling about $US100 million (K322.580 million) on a line of credit by the Exim Bank of India.

The President will depart tomorrow evening. 

Author: 
Freddy Mou