Community expects stronger trade, education and people-to-people ties during first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades
Auckland, July 8: Members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand have expressed enthusiasm ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit, describing it as a landmark moment that could deepen bilateral relations and strengthen links between the two countries.
The visit, scheduled for 10-11 July, will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in around 40 years. Community members said they had been eagerly awaiting the visit and hoped it would pave the way for closer cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Representatives of the Indian community said the visit holds special significance for the nearly 300,000 people of Indian origin living in New Zealand. Many believe it reflects the growing importance of the relationship between the two democracies and recognises the contribution of the Indian diaspora to New Zealand’s economy and multicultural society.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on a range of bilateral issues, including trade, economic cooperation, education, innovation and regional security
The leaders are also expected to discuss the implementation of the recently signed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which is seen as a major step towards expanding commercial ties between the two countries.
During his stay, Modi is also scheduled to attend a community event in Auckland, where thousands of members of the Indian diaspora are expected to gather to welcome him. Community leaders have described the occasion as a historic milestone that will further strengthen people-to-people connections and open new opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors.
The visit forms the final leg of the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, underlining India’s continued focus on strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
