Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering at a gala luncheon during his New Zealand visit. Beginning his speech, he thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for his warm welcome and gracious hospitality. He said that Prime Minister Luxon had extended so much affection and warmth that even the cold of Auckland felt less. He said that the love and respect he received from the people of New Zealand during this visit will always be remembered.
Prime Minister Modi said that Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to India last year has infused new energy into the relationship between the two countries. His leadership, clear thinking, and strong commitment have given the friendship between India and New Zealand new momentum and direction. He said that after nearly 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting New Zealand, and this marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.
He said that both India and New Zealand believe in democratic values, and this is what brings the two countries closer to each other. Relations between the two countries have grown rapidly over the past few years. In today’s meeting, the two countries discussed in detail how to deepen and broaden cooperation. Prime Minister Modi stated that India and New Zealand have taken a historic decision to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. Under this, both countries will move forward in every field with clear goals and concrete results.
Prime Minister Modi noted that this year, the two countries have concluded a free trade agreement in record time. This will open up new opportunities for industries, farmers, and youth in both countries. He stated that India and New Zealand are working together not only in trade but also in trust, technology, and talent. Trade between the two countries has grown by more than 50 percent in the last three years, and it is hoped that the free trade agreement will provide a strong foundation for doubling trade in the next five years. He also welcomed New Zealand’s commitment to invest $20 billion in India. Prime Minister Modi stated that this will provide New Zealand companies with the opportunity to become long-term partners in India’s development journey.
Prime Minister Modi stated that both countries are transforming their strengths into practical cooperation. In the field of fintech, work is underway to link India’s UPI with New Zealand’s payment systems. This will benefit the people and businesses of both countries. He added that the two countries have also developed a strong plan for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, dairy, and food processing. This will directly benefit farmers and livestock farmers. Referring to the medical field, Prime Minister Modi said that both India and New Zealand have rich traditions in this field. Both countries have agreed to enhance the role of traditional medicine in health cooperation.
Speaking on defense and security cooperation, Prime Minister Modi said that the growing cooperation between the two countries is a symbol of their strong strategic trust. The defense cooperation agreement signed last year has provided a strong foundation for their relations. Today, the two countries have agreed on a new framework for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral naval exercises, logistics cooperation, and cooperation in the field of hydrography will further strengthen the coordination between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the greatest strength of the relationship between the two countries is the people-to-people relationship. The Indian community has earned a special place in New Zealand through its hard work and talent. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Luxon, the New Zealand government, and the people for their care and support of the Indian community. He stated that the cultural cooperation agreement signed today will provide new impetus to exchanges between the two countries in the fields of arts, culture, heritage, and creative industries. He stated that New Zealand has been an important educational hub for Indian students, and India invites New Zealand universities to establish campuses in India.
Prime Minister Modi noted that this year marks the 100th anniversary of sports relations between India and New Zealand. A hundred years ago, the Indian hockey team, led by Major Dhyan Chand, created history by touring New Zealand. This continues to inspire sporting relations between the two countries. A Sports Joint Action Plan has been developed to enhance cooperation in sports other than cricket. This initiative has been successfully initiated with the recent coaching program between New Zealand Rugby and Rugby India in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on global issues, Prime Minister Modi stated that India and New Zealand are trusted partners and close friends on the world stage. Both countries believe that many global institutions, including the United Nations, need reform to better address the challenges of the present. The two countries have decided to establish a joint working group to strengthen cooperation against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi said that cooperation between India and New Zealand is crucial for peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
At the end of his address, Prime Minister Modi wished the people of New Zealand a happy Maori New Year, Matariki. He said that the constellation known as Matariki in New Zealand has been known in India since ancient times as Krittika. He expressed confidence that this festival of Matariki will make the relations between the two countries shine as bright as the stars. Following Prime Minister Modi’s speech, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked him. He expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s friendship, commitment, and cooperation. He said that just as teamwork and trust are essential in rugby, India and New Zealand will move forward with mutual trust. He said that both countries are part of the same team and therefore they will face challenges together.