PM Modi Welcomes New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon for Talks on Strengthening Bilateral Ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a significant bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in the national capital on Monday, aimed at further strengthening ties between the two nations. This high-level meeting took place amid a growing momentum to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, and regional security sectors.

PM Modi welcomed Luxon with warmth, setting the tone for what was described as an “extensive” discussion on various aspects of the bilateral relationship. "PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand at Hyderabad House today. Extensive discussions on - bilateral relationship lie ahead," said MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X.

Luxon arrived in India on Sunday for a five-day official visit. Before the meeting, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, underlining the importance of India's legacy in New Zealand's diplomatic framework.

The visit comes at a time when both countries are pushing to deepen bilateral ties, with the announcement of ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both leaders are also set to focus on expanding trade and economic cooperation, alongside discussions on regional security issues.

In his remarks, Luxon highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to fortifying its relationship with India, calling the Indian government “incredibly generous and very welcoming.” He noted that this trip is significant, as he brought the largest-ever delegation of business and community leaders accompanying a New Zealand Prime Minister on a foreign trip.

Luxon emphasized the importance of the Indian market for New Zealand’s economy and the vast potential for expanded trade. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the Indian community in New Zealand, which is the third-largest ethnic group in the country. Indian-Kiwis are the largest source of skilled migrants and the second-largest contributor to international student enrolments in New Zealand. Luxon praised their contributions in various sectors, further strengthening the cultural and people-to-people ties between the nations.

During the visit, Luxon met with community and business leaders and was seen interacting with prominent cricketers, including Ajaz Patel and Ross Taylor, underscoring the shared cultural bonds between India and New Zealand.

Luxon also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who appreciated his commitment to enhancing India-New Zealand relations. Luxon is set to be the keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, which will be inaugurated by PM Modi.

Following the meeting with PM Modi, Luxon will witness the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at Hyderabad House, before heading to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet with President Droupadi Murmu.

With diplomatic relations dating back to 1952, India and New Zealand continue to build on their shared Commonwealth ties, democratic values, and commitment to economic growth and regional stability.