Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour on Friday as a special gesture to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.
PM Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday evening (local time) for the third and final leg of his three-nation tour. In a rare gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally received him at the airport.
Sharing a photograph of the illuminated landmark on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “A special welcome in Auckland! The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of PM Narendra Modi to New Zealand, symbolising the friendship between our two countries.”
PM Modi and Luxon shared a warm embrace on arrival, underscoring the close and growing ties between the two nations. India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, along with senior officials, was also present to receive the Prime Minister.
Welcoming the Indian leader, Luxon said in a post on X, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” while sharing a video of his arrival in Auckland.
Describing the visit as “historic”, PM Modi said he looked forward to holding comprehensive discussions with Prime Minister Luxon on further strengthening bilateral relations.
“Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-New Zealand friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into India-New Zealand ties and open new avenues for cooperation across a range of sectors.
“Kia Ora New Zealand! Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. In a special gesture, he was received by PM Christopher Luxon at the airport in Auckland. This historic visit is set to strengthen bilateral ties and unlock new avenues of cooperation across several areas, especially trade, defence, sports, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
(With IANS inputs)
