Indian navy ships arrive in Papua New Guinea as interest in Pacific grows stronger.

SYDNEY: Two Indian navy ships docked in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, highlighting the strategic importance of the country to global superpowers the United States and China and their allies.

The INS Kolkata guided missile destroyer and INS Sahyadri frigate will stay in PNG’s capital Port Moresby for two days, enhancing maritime cooperation and security in the region. India currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20.

The ships will then join naval exercises in Australia as part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, a group that also includes Japan and the United States. The Malabar exercise begins next Friday.

The United States and its allies are seeking to deter Pacific island nations from forming security ties with China. PNG struck a defense agreement with Washington in May.

Pacific island leaders have identified rising sea levels caused by climate change as their most pressing security priority.

The navy port call follows a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May to Papua New Guinea, where he took part in a summit meeting of Pacific nations.

China is PNG’s largest trading partner. The recent push by China into security has raised concern among Western countries with strong national interests in the region.

The US is trying to secure a bilateral security agreement with PNG to show its commitment to the region and make a positive difference. Pacific Island nations welcome the additional interest from the West but will continue to engage with China.

Overall, the visit of Indian navy ships to Papua New Guinea highlights the strategic importance of the region to global powers and their efforts to maintain influence in the Pacific.