Prime Minister Narendra Modi met members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland on Friday, July 10, 2026, as he began the last leg of his three-nation visit. He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian community, highlighting their jubilant enthusiasm upon his arrival.
PM Modi's Message to the Indian Community
"The love and affection of 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 in a post on X. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
Iconic Sky Tower Lit in India's Colors
Earlier, New Zealand's iconic Sky Tower was lit in the colors of India's national flag to welcome PM Modi. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared visuals on X, stating the gesture symbolized the bonhomie between the two partners. The illumination underscored the strong ties and friendship between India and New Zealand.
Historic Visit and Bilateral Talks
PM Modi called his visit to New Zealand "historic" shortly after arriving in Auckland. He thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for welcoming him at the airport. In a post on X, PM Modi expressed optimism about scheduled talks with PM Luxon regarding the bilateral partnership and a community address in Auckland. "Look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-NZ friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland," PM Modi wrote.
Review of Bilateral Relations
In Auckland, PM Modi will hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, which have seen significant progress in the last two years, especially in trade, commerce, and defence, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement. The visit follows the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April 2026, which is expected to act as a catalyst and generate momentum in trade and bilateral ties. Both prime ministers also held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, during PM Luxon's official visit to India.
Engagements with Business and Sports Personalities
While in Auckland, PM Modi will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, the prime minister will address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora during the visit, as per the MEA. The diaspora's warm reception and the symbolic lighting of the Sky Tower highlight the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
