Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday used a packed Indian community event in Auckland to present a broader vision for India-New Zealand relations, saying the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would deepen cooperation beyond commerce and open new opportunities in space technology, sports and innovation.
Addressing thousands from the Indian diaspora alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, PM Modi said the partnership between the two countries rests on shared values, people-to-people ties and growing strategic collaboration. He said the trade agreement would accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation while creating fresh business opportunities in both countries.
FTA to strengthen business and technology partnership
Referring to India’s lunar mission, PM Modi said New Zealand had contributed to the success of Chandrayaan’s landing near the Moon’s south pole.
“When India’s Chandrayaan landed on the Moon’s south pole, all of New Zealand was rejoicing. New Zealand’s technology also contributed to this success. New Zealand space company has collaborated with us on several occasions. We are working to take this cooperation even further,” he said.
“The trade agreement will accelerate our journey towards a developed India and boost businesses in both India and New Zealand,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi seeks New Zealand support for rugby development
The Prime Minister also called for closer sporting collaboration, saying India wants to learn from New Zealand’s expertise in rugby.
“India wants to learn from New Zealand in rugby. For this, we need coaches and experts. New Zealand can help us significantly in this regard,” he said.
He described the recent coaching programme involving New Zealand Rugby and Rugby India in Bhubaneswar as “a great start” and said both countries could work together in sports technology.
“The futures of India and New Zealand are intertwined,” PM Modi said.
Recalling a century of sporting exchanges, PM Modi noted that this year marks 100 years of sporting relations between the two countries.
“A hundred years ago, our hockey team came to New Zealand to play, and Major Dhyan Chand’s magnificent performance during that tour was the talk of the town. His hockey skills won the hearts of the people of New Zealand as well,” he said.
“This is the era of collaboration. New Zealand and India can achieve great things through collaboration in sports as well.”
Indian community hailed as bridge between two countries
Highlighting the achievements of the Indian-origin community, PM Modi cited several prominent personalities, including Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar, former Governor-General Anand Satyanand and cricketers Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel.
He also referred to places across New Zealand named after Indian locations, including Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent, Amritsar Street and Khandala.
PM Modi said India-New Zealand relations are built on “memory, friendship, values and commitment”. Referring to the Maori word “waka”, he described it as a symbol of a shared journey between the two nations.
“Today, the ‘waka’ of India-New Zealand is ready to undertake a new journey. Before us, we have immense opportunities and the wind favours us,” he said.
The Prime Minister also recalled visiting New Zealand nearly three decades ago, before entering government. He said a local resident had gifted him a muffler, cap and gloves during that visit.
“The muffler you see was gifted to me by a New Zealander 25-30 years back. I used it several times in these years and I take care of it even today, just like I take care of your love for me,” he said.
PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Luxon, members of the New Zealand government and representatives of the Labour Party for attending the event. He said their presence reflected bipartisan support for India-New Zealand ties.
“This might be my first visit as the Prime Minister. Today, after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has arrived in New Zealand. This is my great fortune that I have brought to you the best wishes of 140 crore Indians,” he said.
“I have complete faith in the success of this journey. Not because of Modi, but because you all are its true navigators.”
Luxon praises Modi, Kiwi-Indian community
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described PM Modi as “one of the most important leaders of our time” and “a true friend to New Zealand”.
“He rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy. He has helped lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty,” Luxon said.
Referring to the newly signed trade agreement, Luxon said it would open a market of 1.4 billion people to New Zealand exporters while creating opportunities for Indian businesses operating in New Zealand.
“India is not just a country we trade with; it is a country that we grow with. It is a country we trust,” he said.
“For many years, people said an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement wasn’t possible. Well, Prime Minister Modi and I did it. We got that deal done in record time.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome as he arrived at the venue, with the crowd chanting “Modi, Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
The event featured cultural performances by members of the Indian community. PM Modi and Luxon were also presented with commemorative jerseys bearing their names and the number “100”, commemorating a century of sporting ties between India and New Zealand.
(With inputs from IANS)