Papua New Guinea
Emerging Digital & Development Partner
- Band cut
- ≥ 60
- Countries in band
- 63
The seven measures behind Papua New Guinea's 61
Each is scored 0–100, where higher is always better. Open a row to read the analysis behind its number.
| Measure | Score | Position on 0–100 |
|---|---|---|
| 68 | ||
| 93 | ||
| 62 | ||
| 60 | ||
| 35 | ||
| 70 | ||
| 35 |
Bonus considerations — useful, but they do not affect the score
These two are worked out for every country as context for a trip. They are not part of the 61 above, and nothing here can move it in either direction.
Higher means cheaper for an Indian traveller.
Higher means easier to eat vegetarian.
Why Papua New Guinea?
The standing assessment behind the public sentiment reading of 93, rewritten at each refresh.
India-Papua New Guinea relations continue to exhibit an exceptionally warm and highly positive sentiment, solidly reinforced by recent diplomatic engagements and consistent favorable rhetoric. Diplomatically, the relationship has seen a significant boost with the bilateral meeting between India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Papua New Guinea's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, on July 29, 2026. This high-level dialogue focused on advancing diplomatic relations, expanding trade frameworks, coordinating an upcoming state visit, and addressing crucial areas such as regional security, maritime enforcement, energy diversification, and technology cooperation. This interaction, along with the satisfaction expressed during the Second Round of Foreign Office Consultations held on June 12, 2026 (just outside the 30-day window but reflecting the immediate past trajectory), underscores the mutual commitment to deepening cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas, including development partnership, political engagement, economic ties, and cultural exchanges. While no new public statements explicitly defining an issue as 'India's internal matter' were identified within the last 30 days, the established historical perception of India as a 'trusted friend' and Prime Minister James Marape's previous praise for Prime Minister Modi as a 'role model and an example of leadership,' coupled with PNG's willingness to 'rally behind India's leadership at international forums,' continue to strongly underpin the positive diplomatic sentiment.
Reasons to visit
Papua New Guinea, a land of extraordinary contrasts and unparalleled biodiversity, stands as one of the world's last true frontiers for the adventurous Indian traveler. As an undiscovered gem, its low popularity score means you'll experience a raw, authentic journey far removed from mass tourism, allowing for genuinely immersive encounters. While it demands informed travel and adherence to local advice, contributing to a nuanced perspective on its safety, the rewards for the intrepid are immense. The country's remarkable cultural tapestry boasts over 850 indigenous languages, promising genuine warmth and hospitality among its diverse communities, particularly in remote villages, which speaks to a rich, albeit perhaps initially reserved, friendliness index.
For those seeking unparalleled natural beauty, PNG offers everything from pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life – perfect for diving and snorkeling – to mist-shrouded highlands, active volcanoes, and dense rainforests. It's a birder's paradise, home to the iconic Birds-of-Paradise, and a trekker's dream with trails leading through remote villages and breathtaking landscapes. This destination is for the discerning traveler from India who yearns for a profound connection with nature, an authentic cultural exchange, and the thrill of exploring one of Earth's most wild and captivating places.
Where Indian travellers go
- 1Mount Hagen (Highlands)
- 2East New Britain (Rabaul/Kokopo)
- 3Milne Bay Province (Tufi Fjords)
Worth knowing
- Papua New Guinea is the most linguistically diverse country in the world, with over 850 indigenous languages spoken among its roughly 10 million people.
- It is home to two-thirds of the world's 43 known species of Birds-of-Paradise, famed for their elaborate plumage and courtship rituals.
- Much of Papua New Guinea's interior is still largely unexplored, with new species of plants and animals being discovered regularly within its vast rainforests.
In the record
- Band
- Friendly Nation
- Trade rank
- 86
- Trade volume
- $0.7B
- Share of India’s trade
- 0.06%
- GDP
- $32.5B