In a significant development, Papua New Guinea has appointed Col Edison Napyo as the first Defence Advisor to India. He succeeded the Acting Chief of the Defence Force Commodore Philip Polewara.

• According to the statement issued by the office of the Chief of the Defence Force, Papua New Guinea, Napyo will serve as a link between the PNG Government and the Military in the country.
• This comes at a time when the India-Philippines Brahmos deal has been finalised and China is attempting to increase its presence in the Pacific. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the PNG last year.
• At his farewell, Commodore Polewara presented Col Napyo with a PNG flag and urged him to represent the country well.