Papua New Guinea has taken a historic step in redefining its international defence posture with the appointment of Colonel Edison Napyo as its first-ever Defence Adviser to India. This landmark diplomatic move, announced in early 2025, marks a significant broadening of PNG’s military and strategic outreach—not only with India, but within the shifting dynamics of Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
From Port Moresby to New Delhi: Strengthening Strategic Ties
Colonel Napyo, a highly respected senior officer in the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF), brings decades of experience in military operations and international liaison. His deployment to New Delhi underscores a new phase of PNG’s intention to diversify its defence partnerships and establish deeper linkages in the Asian sphere.
“We’re looking to build mutual understanding, defence training opportunities, and strategic cooperation—especially in areas like peacekeeping, maritime security, and cyber readiness,” a PNGDF spokesperson stated.
India’s defence establishment, already engaged in training exchanges with countries across the Pacific, welcomed PNG’s initiative as a symbol of growing bilateral trust.
India & China: Balancing Act in the Pacific
While PNG’s outreach to India garners headlines, observers note it comes amid rising interest from China, which has also been expanding military and infrastructure ties in the Pacific. PNG maintains defence dialogue with both nations, carefully navigating a non-aligned, development-first approach.
This strategy allows PNG to benefit from training, equipment sharing, and joint exercises without becoming enmeshed in great-power rivalry. As one analyst noted:
“PNG’s engagement with both India and China reflects pragmatism—not alignment. The goal is capacity-building, not choosing sides.”
Opportunities for the PNG Defence Force
India has expressed interest in extending military training scholarships, naval exchange programs, and even satellite-based disaster response coordination with PNG. Col Napyo’s presence in India is expected to formalize these channels and create space for long-term collaboration.
Key expected areas of cooperation include:
- Officer Training & Technical Capacity
- Maritime Surveillance & Coastal Defence
- Cybersecurity & Communication Infrastructure
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR)
PNG’s Defence Ministry believes that exposure to India’s diverse military ecosystem could inspire modernisation efforts back home, including the digital transformation of PNGDF systems.
A Step Toward Regional Leadership
Col Napyo’s appointment not only represents a deepening of bilateral ties—it also sends a message about PNG’s regional maturity. As the Pacific grapples with geopolitical tension, climate insecurity, and maritime border concerns, PNG is positioning itself as a responsible actor with diversified partnerships.
“This isn’t just about security—it’s about diplomacy, resilience, and regional identity,” said a senior foreign affairs official.
