India-New Zealand partnership is anchored in friendship & mutual commitment: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the India-New Zealand partnership as one rooted in "cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a common commitment", while addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland during his first visit to the country as PM.

Calling the relationship one that is ready to enter a new phase of growth, Modi said a "vast ocean of opportunities" lies ahead for both countries.

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"The India-New Zealand relationship is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a common commitment," Modi said. Drawing on New Zealand's Māori tradition, he likened the bilateral partnership to a "waka", a boat that symbolises a shared journey.

"Today, this 'waka' of India and New Zealand is ready to embark on a new voyage. Before us lies an open ocean full of opportunities. The winds are with us. The vast waves of the sea are with us. The blue sky is with us. There is so much to achieve, and I am confident that we will succeed," he said.

PM Modi highlighted the contribution of the Indian community, saying the diaspora has become an integral part of strengthening ties between the two nations.

"From Auckland to Wellington, from Christchurch to Queenstown, the Indian community spread across every corner of New Zealand is a vital part of this shared journey," he said, while thanking Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, members of the New Zealand government and representatives of the Labour Party for their bipartisan support for India-New Zealand relations.

Modi also reflected on his first visit to New Zealand nearly three decades ago, long before entering public office. Recalling that a New Zealander had gifted him a muffler, cap and gloves during that visit, he said he had preserved the gifts as a symbol of the affection he received.

"The muffler you see was gifted to me by a New Zealander 25-30 years back. I have used it several times over the years and I take care of it even today, just like I take care of your love for me," he said.

Speaking about India's approach to global partnerships, the prime minister said the country believes in learning from every nation irrespective of its size.

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"In every era, India has transformed itself and the reason is our eagerness to learn. India learns from everyone. For us, the population of the partner nation does not matter, but the welfare of citizens is what matters. We have learned a lot from New Zealand and are still learning," he said, citing New Zealand's pioneering role in granting women the right to vote.

Modi also said India is creating new opportunities for women through its vision of women-led development.

In a lighter moment, the Prime Minister praised his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon for becoming popular among the Indian community after dancing with Labour leader Chris Hipkins to the Bollywood song Mast Kalandar during India's Independence Day celebrations.

"You are a super hit within the Indian community, a true sensation. You have truly won a special place in the hearts of Indians," Modi said.

Noting that an Indian Prime Minister had visited New Zealand after four decades, Modi described the occasion as historic.

"Today, after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has arrived in New Zealand. It is my great fortune that I have brought to you the best wishes of 140 crore Indians," he said.

He also highlighted the deep integration and achievements of the Indian-origin community in New Zealand. PM Modi said the country has provided equal opportunities for people of Indian descent to excel across diverse fields. He cited examples of Nikhil Ravishankar becoming the CEO of Air New Zealand and Anand Satyanand serving as the country's Governor-General, while also pointing to cricketers Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel as symbols of the Indian diaspora's contribution to New Zealand's sporting landscape.

The PM also noted the cultural imprint of India in New Zealand, saying the relationship extends beyond people-to-people ties. He pointed to several places and streets bearing Indian names, including Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent and Amritsar Street, adding that such names reflect the longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two countries.

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India-New Zealand sports collaboraion

PM Modi said India is keen to learn from New Zealand in rugby and sought greater cooperation in sports. "India wants to learn from New Zealand in rugby. For this, we need coaches and experts. New Zealand can help us significantly in this regard," he said, describing the recent coaching programme involving New Zealand Rugby and Rugby India in Bhubaneswar as "a great start."

He also expressed confidence in expanding collaboration in sports technology. "I am confident that we can achieve a great deal together in the field of sports technology. The futures of India and New Zealand are intertwined," he said.