PM Modi in New Zealand Highlights: Auckland cheers as PM Modi, Luxon celebrate India-New Zealand partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the New Zealand government and its people for the warm welcome extended during his visit, describing it as "fruitful" and a milestone in bilateral ties.

In a post on X, Modi said the visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades—had opened "an important new chapter" in relations between the two countries. He said the decision to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, along with progress in trade, investment, defence, education, culture, sports and people-to-people exchanges, reflected the growing strength of the India-New Zealand relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland, said India is witnessing an unprecedented pace of development despite global challenges. Highlighting the country's achievements, he said India is the world's fastest-growing major economy, the largest producer of vaccines and milk, and the third-largest startup ecosystem. Modi also said India is emerging as a global leader in renewable energy, digital payments, drone technology and the space economy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared the stage in Auckland, raising their hands together in a symbolic gesture celebrating the strong friendship between India and New Zealand while engaging with members of the Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India gives equal importance to its economy, ecology and cultural heritage, underscoring the country's commitment to preserving its civilisational legacy. Highlighting this commitment, PM Modi referred to India's efforts to protect the sacred Saroop of the Guru Granth Sahib during the crisis in Afghanistan. "Just as India places great importance on its economy and ecology, it attaches equal importance to its heritage," he said, adding, "When Afghanistan faced a crisis, we brought the sacred Saroop of the Guru Granth Sahib to India with the utmost respect and reverence."

Addressing the Indian community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's rapid transformation, saying the country's progress amid global challenges is unprecedented. Presenting what he called a "bouquet of India's achievements", PM Modi said, "Today, India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. India is the world's largest vaccine producer. India is among the world's leading countries in mobile data consumption. Today, India is the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. India is the world's second-largest wheat producer." He said these achievements reflect India's growing economic strength, manufacturing capabilities, technological advancement and rising global influence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined an event with the Indian community in Auckland, expressing confidence in the future of India-New Zealand ties. He said the success of the shared journey does not depend on him, but on the Indian diaspora spread across New Zealand. "I have full confidence in the success of this journey. Do you know why? Not because of Modi, because the real sailors of this journey are all of you," he said. From Auckland to Wellington, and from Christchurch to Queenstown, PM Modi described the Indian community across New Zealand as the "sailors of this golden century," crediting them with strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's greatest strength has always been its willingness to learn and transform through every era. He said the country draws inspiration not from the size or population of other nations, but from their spirit of public welfare. Highlighting New Zealand as an example, PM Modi said India has learned much from the country, noting that it was the first in the world to grant women the right to vote. He praised the significant role women play in New Zealand's society and said India is also creating new opportunities through its vision of "women-led development," empowering women to drive the country's growth and progress.

Incredible enthusiasm and affection at the community programme in Auckland, says PM Modi.

New Zealand is the place where Nikhil Ravishankar can become the CEO of Air New Zealand. Where Anand Satyanand can become the Governor-General. Where the cricket team can have Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, and Ajaz Patel; such talents can get opportunities. New Zealand is the place where Indian cities have also been given respect in the roads

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New Zealand reflects the deep historical bonds it shares with India, pointing out that several places across the country bear the names of Indian cities, including Khandala, Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent and Amritsar Street. Addressing the Indian community, he said these names stand as symbols of the enduring connection between the two nations. Praising the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said they have become "full-fledged Kiwis" while continuing to strengthen India-New Zealand ties. He added that whenever he meets New Zealand's leaders, they speak highly of the Indian community. "The praise is yours, and my head is held high," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled his first visit to New Zealand nearly 25 to 30 years ago, long before he entered government or became a public figure. Sharing a personal memory, he said a New Zealander had gifted him three items, a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves, during that visit. "This muffler was given to me by a New Zealander, and I keep it close to me," PM Modi said, adding that the cherished gift continues to remind him of the warmth and affection of the people of New Zealand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment to a stronger future. Drawing on New Zealand's cultural heritage, he highlighted the significance of the word "Waka", which for centuries has symbolised bringing people together. "A Waka is not merely a boat. It is a symbol of a shared journey," PM Modi said, adding that the India-New Zealand Waka is now ready to embark on a new voyage together, reflecting the growing partnership between the two nations.

PM Modi addresses indian community event in Auckland, New Zealand.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi by describing the visit as a historic moment, noting that it marked the first time in 40 years that an Indian Prime Minister had set foot on New Zealand soil. Addressing a special event, Luxon said, "Tonight New Zealand makes history. For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister stands on New Zealand soil." Extending a warm welcome on behalf of the people of New Zealand, he added, "Prime Minister Modi, let me say on behalf of 5 million New Zealanders, you are worth the wait."

Amid loud cheers from people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes the stage at the community event in Auckland.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon watch a cultural performance in Auckland. PM Modi will address a community event shortly.

Speaking in Auckland, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Rudrendra Tandon, reiterated India's firm position on terrorism and violent extremism, saying the country will continue to remind the international community and its partners that terrorism poses a significant threat to global peace and security. He said India works closely with like-minded nations to counter the threat, adding that the India-New Zealand Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism is one of several steps aimed at strengthening cooperation. Tandon said India and New Zealand share a similar, uncompromising approach towards tackling terrorism and violent extremism, stressing the need for the closest collaboration to defeat the menace. He also underlined that there can be no double standards in addressing such a grave global threat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, said, "Sports have always been a strong bridge between India and New Zealand," noting that the two countries are celebrating "a century of vibrant sporting ties" this year. Sharing glimpses from Auckland, PM Modi said he and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended a Sporting Showcase that featured "a range of cutting-edge sporting innovations." He added that it was "wonderful to see how technology and creativity are shaping the future of sports while bringing our two nations even closer."