New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Official Visit to India, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, is on an official visit to India from March 16-20, 2025. This marks Luxon’s first visit to India as Prime Minister, highlighting the growing bilateral relationship between the two nations.

During his visit, PM Luxon is traveling to New Delhi and Mumbai, accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Ethnic Communities and Sport Hon. Mark Mitchell, and Minister for Trade, Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry Hon. Todd McClay. The delegation also comprises officials, business representatives, media personnel, and members of the Indian community in New Zealand.

Upon his arrival in New Delhi, PM Luxon was given a warm and traditional welcome. He held bilateral discussions with PM Modi, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, defense, science and technology, agriculture, and space. Both leaders acknowledged the deep-rooted people-to-people ties between the two countries and explored ways to expand collaboration in education, mobility, and sports.

A key highlight of the visit is the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier geopolitical conference, where PM Luxon will deliver the Inaugural Keynote Address as the Chief Guest on March 17. Additionally, he laid a wreath at Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, and met President Droupadi Murmu.

The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global challenges, emphasizing the importance of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. As maritime nations, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and freedom of navigation in international waters.

Recognizing the strong Indian diaspora in New Zealand, which comprises nearly six percent of the country’s population, both leaders acknowledged their contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. They also discussed the safety and security of Indian students and visitors in New Zealand, as well as New Zealanders in India.