Auckland [New Zealand], July 11 (ANI): Reaffirming that geographical distance is no obstacle to economic and technological collaboration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, jointly viewed a sports equipment and technology exhibition in Auckland on Saturday, highlighting innovation as a key pillar of their newly established Strategic Partnership.
The event, hosted by Prime Minister Luxon, brought together leaders from business, academia, technology, sports, and the arts to celebrate the elevation of bilateral ties.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders toured New Zealand’s sports technology exhibition, where leading athletes and sporting figures demonstrated advanced equipment and innovations.
In a post on X, Jaiswal said, “PM @narendramodi, together with PM @chrisluxonmp, took a walkthrough of New Zealand’s innovative sports equipment display. The leaders witnessed cutting-edge sports equipment and technologies, demonstrated by some of New Zealand’s leading athletes and sporting icons.”
Earlier in the day, Jaiswal said Prime Minister Modi attended a special event hosted by Luxon.
In another post on X, he said, “India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a special event hosted by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, bringing together leaders from business, academia, technology, sports and the arts. The two leaders welcomed the elevation of India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership. PM highlighted the opportunities created by the recently concluded FTA, including for businesses, youth, and farmers, and helping achieve the target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.”
Addressing the gathering, Modi emphasized the significant opportunities created by the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying it would benefit businesses, young people, and farmers while supporting the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Prime Minister Luxon also highlighted the economic benefits of the agreement, noting that it would provide immediate tariff relief for New Zealand exporters seeking greater access to India’s large consumer market.
Modi also met with leading business executives from India and New Zealand alongside Luxon.
In a separate post on X, Jaiswal said, “PM Narendra Modi met with leading CEOs from New Zealand and India alongside PM Christopher Luxon. The discussions underscored the India-New Zealand FTA as a landmark milestone and set an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders emphasized leveraging each other’s strengths and complementarities while deepening cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, sustainable agriculture, and technology.”
In another post on X, Modi wrote, “At the India-New Zealand business event in Auckland, which I attended with PM Luxon, I told business leaders: India is not only a market. India is a launchpad for global growth. Together, let us take this economic partnership to new heights!”
In a separate post, Modi said, “Held extensive and fruitful talks with PM Luxon in Auckland this morning. His own visit to India last year energised our bilateral partnership and my visit today, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, has added further momentum to the India-New Zealand friendship.”
Earlier Saturday, Luxon wrote on X, “New Zealand and India bookend the Indo-Pacific, but distance is no barrier to us working together to grow our economies. That’s what we’re doing through our free trade agreement, which will eliminate tariffs on 57% of everything we sell to India on day one.”
The two prime ministers directed their ministers and senior officials to maintain close engagement and ensure the timely implementation of the initiatives outlined in the Roadmap to 2030. They agreed that progress would be reviewed regularly by ministers and senior officials.
Modi thanked Luxon and the Government and people of New Zealand for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. The two leaders also agreed to sustain the momentum of high-level exchanges and fully realize the potential of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon, Prime Minister Modi is on an official visit to Auckland on July 10-11. The visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years, marking a historic milestone in the relationship between the two countries. (ANI)
About The Author
