PM Modi in New Zealand: Thanks Indian diaspora, Iconic sky tower glows in tricolour as bilateral ties gain momentum

Auckland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Auckland on July 10, Friday. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders shared a warm embrace.
PM Modi is visiting New Zealand at the invitation of Luxon. This is the first official visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

In Auckland, Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Luxon and review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship, which has seen significant progress in the last two years, especially in the areas of trade and commerce and defence. While in Auckland, Prime Minister will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties that exist between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister will address a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora.\

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

After the signing of Free Trade Agreement in April this year, the visit of Prime Minister Modi is expected to work as a catalyst and generate momentum in trade and bilateral relations. Both the PMs earlier held bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025 during the official visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India.

Delighted to witness the wonderful performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble. Music has a unique ability to bring people together and today’s performance beautifully reflected the warmth and depth of India-New Zealand friendship. pic.twitter.com/SbobSkjxGi

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called his visit to New Zealand “historic” shortly after arriving in Auckland. In a post on X, PM Modi thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for welcoming him at the airport and highlighted that his visit is the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to the nation in four decades.

“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”, he wrote.
Sharing visuals from his welcome, PM Modi expressed optimism towards the scheduled talks with PM Luxon regarding the bilateral partnership between the two nations and the community address in Auckland.

Delighted to witness a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage during the community welcome in Auckland this evening. The performances showcased the cultures of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and a stirring rendition of Vande… pic.twitter.com/GlG5h73ObF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026

“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 wrote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi qalso met members of the Indian diaspora as he begins the last leg of his three-nation visit. He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian community and underlined how their jubilant enthusiasm was palpable upon his arrival.

“The love and affection of New Zealand’s Indian community touched me deeply. They have waited four decades for the visit of an Indian Prime Minister and their extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth were visible today. Their bond with India remains unwavering”, PM Modi said in a post on X.

The love and affection of the New Zealand's Indian community touched me deeply. They have waited four decades for the visit of an Indian Prime Minister and their extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth were visible today. Their bond with India remains unwavering. pic.twitter.com/7wk2vhNAbi

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026

Earlier, New Zealand’s iconic Sky Tower was lit in the colours of India’s national flag as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his historic visit to the country.  The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the visuals of the Sky Tower and underlined that the gesture symbolised the bonhomie between the two partners.

(With Inputs from ANI)