Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon celebrate a new era in bilateral ties, highlighting shared values, diaspora strength and expanding strategic partnership, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described India and New Zealand as partners on a shared journey of friendship, values and opportunity, using the Māori concept of “Waka” to symbolise a new chapter in bilateral relations during a spectacular Indian diaspora event in Auckland.
Addressing more than 10,000 members of the Indian community at the “Kia Ora Modi” event alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Modi said it was his privilege to become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit New Zealand in four decades.
“I have brought with me the best wishes of 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, adding that the India-New Zealand relationship is rooted in “cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a common commitment.”
Drawing on Māori tradition, Modi said the word “Waka”, meaning canoe, perfectly captured the spirit of the bilateral partnership.
“Waka is not merely a boat. It is a symbol of a shared journey and our shared relationship. This waka is set to embark on a new journey today. A sea of opportunities lies ahead of us, and the wind and waves are backing us,” he said, earning loud applause from the audience.
Expressing confidence in the future of ties between the two nations, Modi told the gathering that the success of the journey would depend on the Indian diaspora.
“I have complete faith in the success of this journey—not because of Modi, but because you all are its true navigators,” he said.
The Prime Minister praised the Indian community spread across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other parts of New Zealand, describing them as a vital bridge between the two countries. He also thanked Prime Minister Luxon, members of his government and Labour Party representatives for demonstrating bipartisan support for stronger India-New Zealand relations.
The event featured colourful cultural performances, traditional music and enthusiastic chants of “Modi, Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as thousands of members of the diaspora waved Indian and New Zealand flags.
During the celebrations, Modi and Luxon were presented with commemorative jerseys bearing their names and the number “100”, symbolising the growing partnership between the two nations.
In an emotional moment, Modi recalled his first visit to New Zealand more than two decades ago, long before he entered government.
He shared the story of receiving a muffler, cap and gloves during that visit, revealing that he still treasures the muffler and had brought it with him on his return trip.
“I have kept this muffler close to me and used it many times over the years. I brought it with me because I knew it would be cold here. I take care of it just as I take care of your affection,” he said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Modi’s visit as “worth the wait”, saying New Zealand was making history by welcoming an Indian Prime Minister for the first time in 40 years.
“Forty years is far too long between visits from family,” Luxon said. “Prime Minister Modi, on behalf of five million New Zealanders, you are worth the wait.”
The New Zealand leader said he had never witnessed such an atmosphere at one of the country’s premier venues despite hosting some of the world’s biggest stars.
Praising India’s rapid economic progress under Modi’s leadership, Luxon said the transformation of the world’s most populous democracy had been extraordinary.
He highlighted that around 250 million Indians had been lifted out of poverty over the past decade, while India’s middle class had expanded dramatically. He also cited major infrastructure achievements, including the doubling of airports, the construction of around 95,000 kilometres of highways, and India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing.
“India is already one of the world’s largest economies and will soon become the third largest. The 21st century will be shaped by India, and New Zealand wants to help build that future alongside India,” Luxon said.
He also paid tribute to the Indian community for enriching New Zealand economically, socially and culturally, describing them as an integral part of the country’s multicultural identity.
