Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the Indian diaspora in New Zealand for preserving India’s rich cultural heritage across generations and continents.
PM Modi, who arrived in Auckland on the final leg of his three-nation tour, received a warm welcome from New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and members of the Indian community.
Welcoming the Indian Prime Minister, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a post on X, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception, describing the visit as historic.
“The love and affection of the New Zealand’s Indian community touched me deeply. They have waited four decades for the visit of an Indian Prime Minister and their extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth were visible today. Their bond with India remains unwavering,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also lauded the cultural performances presented during the community reception, saying they reflected India’s rich diversity and civilisational heritage.
“Delighted to witness a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage during the community welcome in Auckland this evening. The performances showcased the cultures of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and a stirring rendition of Vande Mataram. I compliment our diaspora for keeping India’s cultural heritage vibrant across generations and continents and for strengthening the enduring people-to-people bonds between India and New Zealand,” he said.
PM Modi also appreciated the performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble.
“Delighted to witness the wonderful performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble. Music has a unique ability to bring people together and today’s performance beautifully reflected the warmth and depth of India-New Zealand friendship,” he said.
The Prime Minister described his visit as a landmark occasion, noting that it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.
“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.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also shared the pics of Indian community welcoming PM Modi on his arrival in Auckland. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, “PM Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian community upon his arrival at the hotel. The reception featured vibrant performances of classical music and dance traditions from across India, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.”
“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,” he added.
