New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, while speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on Monday, emphasized the deep-rooted ties between Indians and New Zealanders, tracing back more than two centuries.
“It is more than 200 years since Indians and New Zealanders began living side by side… Just as they were 200 years ago, ‘Kiwi-Indians’ today are fully integrated into our multicultural society,” Luxon stated, underlining the long-standing connection between the two nations.
Highlighting the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, he pointed out that “New Zealanders of Indian heritage comprise 11 per cent of the people living in Auckland, our biggest city.”
Accompanying Luxon to New Delhi was a delegation of prominent Kiwi-Indian leaders. Explaining the purpose of their visit, he said, “I brought with me to New Delhi a selection of the Kiwi-Indian community leaders—members of parliament, captains of industry, professional cricketers, an online influencer who has revolutionised investment for women in the world. In short, a selection of Kiwi-Indians who get up every single morning to make New Zealand a better place to live.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Luxon, calling it “a matter of immense joy” to receive him in India. PM Modi described Luxon as “a youthful, dynamic and energetic leader” and expressed his happiness at having him as the Chief Guest at the Raisina Dialogue.
In a post on X, PM Modi reiterated his sentiments, stating, “It is a matter of immense joy to be welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Delhi. It is equally gladdening that such a youthful, dynamic and energetic leader will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Raisina Dialogue.” He further mentioned their earlier discussions, saying, “We had wide-ranging talks earlier today, covering all important sectors relating to India-New Zealand friendship.”
Earlier in the day, the two leaders met at Hyderabad House for a bilateral discussion. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X, “PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand at Hyderabad House today. Extensive discussions on bilateral relationships lie ahead.” Their talks covered a wide range of topics, reflecting the increasing cooperation between the two countries.
Addressing security concerns in a joint press statement, PM Modi highlighted past tragedies, stating, “the devastating attacks on Christ Church in 2019 and Mumbai’s 26/11 tragedy.” He emphasized the necessity of taking a firm stance against terrorism, affirming that such threats are unacceptable in any form. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day visit, which includes attending the Raisina Dialogue. During his stay, he also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
(Inputs from ANI)
from National https://ift.tt/deaS8ON