Auckland, July 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 11 lauded the Indian community in New Zealand for its contributions to the country’s social, economic and cultural life, describing the diaspora as a vital bridge that would play a key role in strengthening the newly elevated Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Addressing more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ community event in Auckland, Modi said the gathering was not merely a celebration of the Indian community but also of the enduring friendship, growing economic partnership and shared sporting ties between India and New Zealand.
In a special gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined the event, underscoring the importance Wellington attaches to its ties with India and the Indian-origin community.
Beginning his address, Modi thanked Prime Minister Luxon for attending the event and for his continued support in deepening bilateral relations as well as promoting the welfare of the Indian community in New Zealand. He also expressed gratitude to members of the diaspora for the warm and enthusiastic welcome extended to him during his first visit to New Zealand.
The Prime Minister praised the Indian community for emerging as a dynamic and influential force in New Zealand through hard work, determination and perseverance. He said the diaspora had made significant contributions across diverse sectors while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage, traditions and festivals, thereby enriching New Zealand’s multicultural society.
Highlighting the community’s spirit of “seva” or selfless service, Modi commended its record of volunteerism, charitable initiatives and community welfare activities, saying these values had earned widespread respect and strengthened the bonds between the two countries.
Describing the event as a celebration of the broader India-New Zealand relationship, the Prime Minister noted that 2026 marks 100 years of sporting engagement between the two countries. He said both governments were committed to further expanding cooperation in sports following the signing of a Joint Action Plan on Sports during his visit, opening new avenues of collaboration beyond their traditional cricketing links.
Modi also spoke of the cultural affinities between the two nations, appreciating the Maori community’s inclusive and sustainable way of life. He observed that India too was pursuing a development model that sought to balance rapid economic growth with the preservation of its cultural heritage and civilisational values.
Urging the diaspora to continue strengthening the relationship between the two countries, the Prime Minister said the Indian community should remain a bridge of friendship, trust and cooperation, helping realise the full potential of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership for the benefit of both nations.
The community event formed one of the highlights of Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to New Zealand, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and concluded a series of agreements covering trade, maritime security, defence, tourism, culture and sports.
