Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India's pace of development is 'unprecedented' despite global challenges, speaking at an Indian community event titled 'Kia Ora Modi' in Auckland. According to reports from Business Standard, Modi stated that India is today the world's fastest-growing major economy, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. The Prime Minister highlighted that India is giving the world new models of development, showcasing the country's rapid transformation across multiple sectors. As per Narendra Modi's official Twitter account, the Prime Minister noted that the speed at which India is developing is unprecedented amidst global challenges, with the audience responding with incredible enthusiasm and affection. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday hailed Modi as 'one of the most important leaders of our time' and credited his leadership with transforming India, as reported by Firstpost.
Modi outlined India's technological advancements, stating that billions of digital transactions are happening every month through UPI. As reported by Business Standard, he highlighted that India is touching new heights in drone technology and the space economy, demonstrating the country's progress in emerging technology sectors. The Prime Minister noted that these achievements reflect India's commitment to maintaining balance between ecology and economy, similar to New Zealand's approach. Luxon highlighted India's achievements in space exploration, including its successful mission to the Moon's south pole, and said the country was on track to become the world's third-largest economy. According to Firstpost, Luxon remarked that the newly built highways are enough to drive between New Zealand and India and back eight times, showcasing India's unprecedented infrastructure development.
Luxon praised India's economic and social progress over the past decade, saying the country had lifted millions out of poverty. As reported by Firstpost, he stated that around 250 million Indians had been lifted out of poverty in the past 10 years, while nearly 95,000 kilometres of new highways had been built across the country. The New Zealand Prime Minister described the expansion of economic opportunities under PM Modi's leadership as 'one of the greatest advances in human dignity the world has ever seen'. He noted that India now has one of the world's largest middle classes, with around 445 million people, highlighting the country's emergence as a major global power. Luxon said India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy, with the 21st century being shaped by India's rise.
Modi emphasized that the bilateral trade agreement will accelerate India's journey towards a developed nation, addressing a gathering of more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora. According to Business Standard, he stated that the space sector itself demonstrates the immense potential of the economic partnership between India and New Zealand. Luxon highlighted the signing of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, saying it would open opportunities for businesses in both countries. As reported by Firstpost, he stated that the agreement would provide Kiwi exporters access to India's market of 1.4 billion people while creating new opportunities for Indian companies in New Zealand. The Prime Minister noted that the same spirit is reflected in our trade agreement, which will create new opportunities for businesses in both countries and accelerate India's development journey. Luxon ended his address by congratulating the Kiwi-Indian community for its contribution to New Zealand, expressing confidence that the India-New Zealand partnership would continue to grow in the years ahead.
Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit New Zealand in 40 years, arriving in Auckland on Friday as the final leg of his three-nation tour. As reported by Business Standard, he thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and government officials for their presence, noting that their bipartisan support reflects strong backing for the India-New Zealand relationship. The Prime Minister showed a muffler he received as a gift during his previous visit to New Zealand around 25-30 years ago, before entering public life. According to Firstpost, Luxon praised PM Modi's personal and political journey, saying he had risen from humble beginnings to lead the world's largest democracy. The Prime Minister thanked his Kiwi counterpart Luxon, government officials and the members of the Labour Party, stating that their presence reflects the strong bipartisan support for the India–New Zealand relationship and is a testament to the remarkable achievements of the Kiwi-Indian community.
Modi noted that 2026 marks 100 years of sporting collaboration between India and New Zealand, expressing keenness to further deepen sporting ties between the two nations. According to Business Standard, he praised New Zealand's commitment to celebrating and preserving indigenous cultures, stating that India has learned from New Zealand's approach to heritage preservation. Luxon called the friendship between India and New Zealand 'truly extraordinary', with the Indian community having played a vital role in strengthening ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister urged the Indian community to continue serving as a bridge of friendship, trust and cooperation between India and New Zealand, helping to realize the full potential of the Strategic Partnership for both nations. As per Narendra Modi's official Twitter account, he noted that the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment. He referenced New Zealand's cultural symbol Waka, stating that for centuries, this word has symbolised bringing people together and that the India–New Zealand Waka is ready to embark on a new voyage together.
