Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he was “honoured” to receive a traditional Māori powhiri ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland, describing the ceremony as a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the ceremonial welcome at the start of his engagements in New Zealand.
“Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Māori powhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions,” PM Modi said.
The ceremonial welcome was followed by delegation-level talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to deepen cooperation.
During the talks, Prime Minister Modi described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic milestone in bilateral relations and thanked Prime Minister Luxon and his government for concluding the agreement in a short span.
Calling his visit the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, PM Modi said it had infused fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship.
“It gives me great pleasure that an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand after 40 years. By organising an event in your economic capital, you have created an opportunity to infuse new strength into the relationship between India and New Zealand,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the warmth extended by the people of New Zealand marked a defining moment in bilateral ties and reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen their friendship.
Referring to the recently concluded FTA, PM Modi said the agreement had revitalised bilateral relations and thanked Prime Minister Luxon’s leadership for the swift conclusion of negotiations.
Highlighting shared democratic values, PM Modi described India and New Zealand as natural partners and said their cooperation as maritime nations would strengthen peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to interact with leading business and sports personalities and address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who received him at the airport. The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in April this year.
-ANI
