Indian PM Modi Arrives in Auckland for Historic Visit

The Indian prime minister arrived in Auckland on Friday evening. He is the first official visit by an Indian leader to New Zealand in 40 years. PM Modi is the highest-ranking head of state to visit New Zealand in more than 10 years. He landed at Auckland International Airport on Friday at around 8.15 pm local time on board India One. Modi was welcomed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with a red carpet laid out on the tarmac, where representatives of the Indian and New Zealand militaries were also present. Prime Minister Luxon welcomed him and hugged him on arrival. Prime Minister Luxon said that New Zealand is very important for PM Modi's visit. Luxon said that this is because we have a very big world leader in town. During his visit, PM Modi and the Prime Minister of New Zealand will hold bilateral talks with other big leaders and address the Indian community. Before arriving in New Zealand, PM Modi said that India will take up the bilateral visit after March 2025, focusing on furthering their commercial, economic and trade ties with Prime Minister Luxon.