The new Consulate in Auckland is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering these connections and enhancing cooperation between India and New Zealand, both regionally and globally
In a significant move to bolster diplomatic relations and support the Indian diaspora, India is set to open a new Consulate in Auckland, New Zealand. The announcement was made by President Droupadi Murmu during her address to the Indian Community Reception in Auckland on August 9th. The new consulate aims to facilitate the growing Indian community and strengthen the already deep and multifaceted ties between the two nations.
President Murmu, on her inaugural visit to New Zealand, expressed her pleasure at witnessing the achievements of the Indian diaspora, which constitutes approximately 6% of New Zealand’s population. She acknowledged their significant contributions to various sectors, including business, healthcare, education, and information technology, highlighting their role in the development of New Zealand’s economy and society.
“India’s relationship with New Zealand is anchored in shared values of democracy and the rule of law. The opening of the Consulate in Auckland will not only fulfill a long-standing demand of the Indian community but will also serve to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” President Murmu stated to an enthusiastic audience.
Currently, India is represented in Auckland by an Honorary Consul, with the Indian High Commission based in Wellington. The establishment of a full-fledged consulate in Auckland marks a strategic expansion of India’s diplomatic presence in the region. President Murmu expressed optimism that this move would enhance diplomatic engagement and provide better services to the Indian community.
As India approaches its milestone of becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the country seeks to strengthen its ties with the global Indian diaspora
During her visit, President Murmu also held discussions with New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. The talks focused on deepening cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and international peace and security. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and a multipolar world.
The Indian diaspora in New Zealand, which numbers around 250,000 according to the 2018 census, serves as a strong cultural and social bridge between the two countries. President Murmu emphasized the importance of this community in realizing India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, highlighting initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India as key drivers of progress.
President Murmu underscored the value of their skills, expertise, and experience in contributing to India’s development, stating, “We see the diaspora as a crucial player in making India a country of our dreams.”
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com