New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India has emerged as a major geopolitical player and key Indo-Pacific partner. The leaders elevated India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership, boosting cooperation in trade, security, education, technology and investment.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday hailed India’s growing global influence, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a major geopolitical player and a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. His remarks came during a gala lunch hosted in honour of Prime Minister Modi in Auckland, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Addressing an audience comprising business leaders, officials and members of the Indian diaspora, Luxon stressed that enduring international partnerships are built on trust, commitment, reliability and shared value. He said these principles are equally important in diplomacy and business, forming the foundation of successful long-term cooperation.
“Everyone here understands what it takes to build a strong partnership. It takes trust. It takes commitment, reliability, follow-through and creating value together. And this holds equally true, whether it be in business or diplomacy,” Luxon said during his address.
Praising India’s remarkable progress, the New Zealand Prime Minister noted that the country has witnessed unprecedented economic growth and increasing strategic importance under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
“Under your leadership, Prime Minister Modi, India has become one of the world’s fastest and largest-growing economies. It is a major geopolitical player and an Indo-Pacific partner, known for its scale, its innovation, its ambition and its strategic influence,” Luxon said.
The New Zealand leader also highlighted his country’s strengths, describing New Zealand as an open, trusted, innovative and globally connected nation. He said New Zealand possesses expertise in food production, education, technology, tourism and sustainability, making it a reliable partner for expanding cooperation with India.
Luxon expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration between the two countries would generate employment, encourage investments and strengthen economic growth.
“Together, we can support job creation, expand trade, attract investment and create new opportunities in both India and New Zealand, with the goal of increasing prosperity and security for our peoples,” he stated.
A major outcome of Prime Minister Modi’s visit was the decision by India and New Zealand to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, a move that Luxon described as a significant milestone in the history of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
He said the upgraded partnership would provide a stronger framework for cooperation across several sectors at a time when global uncertainties continue to challenge international stability.
“In a world that is increasingly volatile and uncertain, strong partnerships are more important than ever before. This Strategic Partnership provides a stronger platform for practical cooperation in prosperity, security and people-to-people connections,” Luxon remarked.
He further said that the new framework would deepen cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, tourism and sports while also facilitating closer coordination in defence, maritime security and law enforcement.
“It means building a relationship that benefits both countries and delivers real results,” he added.
Highlighting the contribution of the Indian community in New Zealand, Luxon said Indian New Zealanders have played an indispensable role in strengthening ties between the two nations. He noted that their contributions span business, healthcare, education, technology, culture, sports and community service.
According to Luxon, the Indian diaspora serves as a bridge between the two countries by fostering stronger cultural understanding and people-to-people connections. He said students, entrepreneurs, families, visitors and athletes continue to bring India and New Zealand closer together, laying the foundation for a lasting partnership.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for his leadership and commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, Luxon said both nations now enjoy a partnership built on mutual trust and shared aspirations.
“And today we can confidently say that New Zealand and India are a winning partnership. I look forward to working with you, my friend, and with everyone here to further strengthen this partnership in the years ahead,” he said.
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The leaders’ discussions and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership are expected to open new avenues for cooperation in economic development, regional security, innovation, education and investment, reinforcing India’s growing role as a key geopolitical player and trusted Indo-Pacific partner while strengthening New Zealand’s engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
