As a special gesture to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand, the iconic Sky Tower in Auckland was illuminated in Indian tricolour on Friday, July 10.
Prime Minister Modi landed in Auckland on Friday evening (local time) during the third and final leg of his three-nation visit.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was received by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the airport.
Sharing photographs of the Sky Tower, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, “A special welcome in Auckland! The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of PM Narendra Modi to New Zealand, symbolizing the friendship between our two countries.”
A special welcome in Auckland!
The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of PM @narendramodi to New Zealand, symbolizing the friendship between our two countries.
🇮🇳 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/46cnf1xADu
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 10, 2026
Notably, this is the maiden official visit of an Indian PM to New Zealand in four decades.
Prime Minister Modi and Luxon were seen sharing a warm hug as they greeted each other at the airport. Also, present were India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, and other officials.
While sharing a video of Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Auckland, Luxon wrote on X, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/NlY0POBBaD
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) July 10, 2026
The Prime Minister has termed his official visit to Auckland as “historic” and noted that he is looking forward to holding discussions with Luxon.
“Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-NZ friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland,” PM Modi posted on X.
Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport.
This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the… pic.twitter.com/qhUfkaFfHF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026
The MEA said that Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and open new avenues of cooperation across several sectors.
“Kia Ora New Zealand! Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. In a special gesture, he was received by PM Christopher Luxon at the airport in Auckland. This historic visit is set to strengthen bilateral ties and unlock new avenues of cooperation across several areas especially trade, defence, sports, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges,” MEA spokesperson posted on X.