PM Modi lands in Auckland for two-day New Zealand visit; PM Luxon welcomes him at airport

PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand PM New Christopher Luxon at Auckland airport on Friday.PIC/X

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Friday arrived in Auckland for a two-day visit to New Zealand, the final leg of his three-nation tour. In a special gesture, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon received him at the airport.

The two leaders greeted each other with a warm hug. India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, along with other officials, was also present at the airport to welcome PM Modi.

PM Luxon shared a video of Modi's arrival in Auckland on X, writing, "Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

PM Modi left for New Zealand after concluding his three-day visit to Australia. The visit marks the first official visit by an Indian PM to New Zealand in 40 years.

During the visit, PM Modi and his New Zealand counterpart will hold talks and review the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, which, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), have witnessed significant progress over the past two years, particularly in trade, commerce and defence.

PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with leading business and sports personalities and address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

Modi's visit marks first by an Indian PM to New Zealand in 40 years

Earlier in the day, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, described PM Modi's visit as a significant milestone, saying it comes at a transformative moment in bilateral relations following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In an exclusive interview with IANS, McClay said New Zealanders were looking forward to welcoming the Indian Prime Minister.

"It is very significant. It is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, and it comes just a few months after we signed our Free Trade Agreement. There will be a major celebration in our largest city, and New Zealanders are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi, especially the Indian-New Zealand community. The Indian diaspora is now our third-largest ethnic community, and many people will turn out to welcome him and make him feel at home."

PM Modi's visit follows PM Luxon's visit to India in March 2025, during which he held talks with the Indian Premier and President Droupadi Murmu.

India and New Zealand share warm and friendly ties. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1952. The two nations are linked through their Commonwealth membership, common law traditions and shared commitment to democratic governance, economic development and prosperity for diverse communities.

(With IANS inputs)