New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Auckland, calling his visit a "historic milestone"—the first by an Indian prime minister in four decades. Addressing an Indian community event, Luxon declared, "Tonight, New Zealand makes history. For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister stands on New Zealand soil... Prime Minister Modi, let me say on behalf of 5 million New Zealanders, you are worth the wait."
Luxon Recalls First India Visit in the 1990s
Reflecting on his long association with India, Luxon recalled his first visit in the mid-1990s as a young executive with Hindustan Unilever. He contrasted the India he saw then with today: "In those days, I observed workers being paid at the end of each day, often with a handful of coins because a day's wage was counted in coins." He praised the rapid economic and social transformation under PM Modi, noting that every visit to India leaves him impressed by its progress.
Praise for India's Economic Transformation
Luxon highlighted India's rise: "India now has one of the largest middle classes in the world, with 445 million people and still growing. With those higher incomes, families can enjoy better food, take holidays, send their children to study and save for retirement. That is one of the greatest advances in human dignity the world has ever seen. Prime Minister Modi, it has happened under your leadership." He added that PM Modi has lifted 250 million people out of poverty, and the middle class is projected to reach 750 million by the end of the decade.
Community Event and Cultural Performance
Earlier, PM Modi took the stage at the community event amid loud cheers from the Indian diaspora. In the evening, both leaders watched a cultural performance in Auckland before the main event. Luxon also addressed the India-New Zealand Business and Sports Engagement event, reiterating his admiration for India's journey: "For many of you, you would know that I have been a great fan of India for a long period of time... to see the move from low income to middle income to high income—it is so inspiring and so exciting."
Strategic Partnership and Roadmap to 2030
PM Modi's two-day official visit from July 10-11 marked the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years. The two countries elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership and adopted a "Roadmap to 2030" for enhanced cooperation across trade, defence, technology, security, and regional affairs. The visit underscores the deepening bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand.
