Auckland, July 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a packed gathering of the Indian community in Auckland, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with New Zealand while praising the Indian diaspora for acting as a living bridge between the two nations. The community event, held during the Prime Minister’s official visit, celebrated the deep cultural, historical and people-to-people ties that have helped shape India–New Zealand relations over the decades.
Thousands of members of the Indian-origin community, including entrepreneurs, professionals, students, academics and cultural organisations, attended the programme and welcomed the Prime Minister with traditional performances reflecting India’s diverse heritage.
Indian Diaspora Plays a Vital Role
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi described the Indian community in New Zealand as one of the strongest pillars of bilateral relations.
He said the diaspora has significantly contributed to:
- Strengthening cultural understanding
- Expanding trade and investment
- Promoting educational cooperation
- Encouraging tourism
- Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Building stronger people-to-people connections
The Prime Minister noted that overseas Indians continue to enhance India’s global image through their achievements and active participation in New Zealand’s economic and social development.
Celebrating Shared Democratic Values
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India and New Zealand share common democratic ideals, respect for diversity and a commitment to inclusive development.
He said these shared values provide a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in political, economic and strategic sectors.
The Prime Minister added that mutual trust and regular high-level engagement have created fresh momentum in bilateral relations.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The community address came shortly after India and New Zealand announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Modi explained that the new partnership would deepen collaboration in several areas, including:
- Trade and investment
- Defence and maritime security
- Digital technology
- Innovation
- Renewable energy
- Agriculture
- Education
- Critical minerals
- Climate action
- Cultural exchanges
He described the newly unveiled Roadmap to 2030 as a long-term blueprint for expanding cooperation between the two countries.
India’s Development Journey
Highlighting India’s rapid economic and technological progress, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the country’s transformation in recent years.
He referred to achievements in:
- Digital public infrastructure
- Startup ecosystem
- Infrastructure development
- Renewable energy
- Manufacturing
- Innovation
- Space technology
According to the Prime Minister, India’s continued development is creating new opportunities for international cooperation, including with New Zealand.
Strong Cultural Connections
A major theme of the address was the enduring cultural relationship between India and New Zealand.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated the Indian community for preserving India’s traditions while contributing positively to New Zealand’s multicultural society.
He also praised the increasing popularity of Indian festivals, yoga, cuisine, cinema and classical arts in New Zealand, describing culture as one of the strongest bonds connecting the two countries.
Youth and Education
The Prime Minister encouraged greater educational collaboration between Indian and New Zealand institutions.
He said young people from both countries would play an important role in advancing research, innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange under the new strategic partnership.
Officials believe expanded educational cooperation will further strengthen long-term bilateral relations.
Looking Ahead
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that India–New Zealand relations would continue to reach new heights through stronger economic cooperation, closer strategic engagement and deeper cultural understanding.
He urged members of the Indian diaspora to remain active partners in strengthening ties between the two countries and to continue serving as ambassadors of India’s heritage, democratic values and innovation.
The Auckland community event underscored the growing importance of the Indian diaspora in shaping the future of India–New Zealand relations and highlighted the central role of people-to-people connections in the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
Original Report:
https://www.mea.gov.in/
https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
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