Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his counterpart from New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day official visit to India. He will be the chief guest at the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue and will also deliver the keynote address.
PM Luxon is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
“PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand at Hyderabad House today. Extensive discussions on the bilateral relationship lie ahead,” MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
trengthening Economic and Digital Ties
The meeting comes amid a growing push to enhance bilateral ties, with both leaders set to discuss economic cooperation, trade expansion, and regional security. The visit has already seen the announcement of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of digital connectivity and financial transactions between India and New Zealand. “Emphasis will also be placed on UPI connectivity, digital transactions, and boosting tourism. We have longstanding ties in the field of education. We invite New Zealand’s universities to establish campuses in India,” Modi said.
Indian Government ‘Generous and Welcoming’
Luxon called the Indian government “incredibly generous and very welcoming” to New Zealand. He noted that he brought the largest delegation ever to accompany a New Zealand Prime Minister to India, which includes business leaders and a community delegation.
He also highlighted the contribution of the Indian community in New Zealand and stressed areas where “Indian-Kiwis” have made a mark, particularly in education, business, and technology.
With discussions on trade, digital payments, and education cooperation, the visit is expected to further strengthen the partnership between India and New Zealand in multiple sectors.