India-New Zealand partnership is anchored in friendship & mutual commitment: PM Modi
Saying that the relationship is ready to enter a new phase of growth, Modi said a “vast ocean of opportunities” awaits both countries.
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“India-New Zealand relationship is built on precious memories, enduring friendship, shared values and shared commitment,” Modi said. he said. Drawing on New Zealand’s Maori tradition, the duo likened the partnership to a “waka”, a boat symbolizing a shared journey.
“Today, this ‘waka’ of India and New Zealand is ready to embark on a new journey. An open ocean full of opportunities lies before us. The winds are with us. The vast waves of the sea are with us. The blue sky is with us. There is a lot to achieve and I believe we will achieve it,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi underlined the contribution of the Indian community, saying that the diaspora has become an integral part of strengthening ties between the two countries.
“The Indian community, which spans every corner of New Zealand, from Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Queenstown, is a vital part of this shared journey,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, members of the New Zealand government and Labor Party representatives for their bipartisan support for India-New Zealand relations. he said. Modi also reflected on his first visit to New Zealand nearly three decades ago, long before he assumed public office. Recalling that a New Zealander had gifted him a muffler, cap and gloves during that visit, he said he had preserved the gifts as a symbol of the affection he received.
“The scarf you see was given to me as a gift by a New Zealander 25-30 years ago. I have used it many times over the years and I take care of it today, just as I take care of your love for me,” he said.
Speaking about India’s approach to global partnerships, the prime minister said he believes in learning from every nation, regardless of the size of the country.
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Referring to New Zealand’s pioneering role in granting women the right to vote, he said, “India has transformed itself in every era and the reason for this is our eagerness to learn. India learns from everyone. For us, the population of the partner country is not important, but the welfare of the citizens is important. We have learned a lot from New Zealand and we are still learning.” he said.
Modi also said that India is creating new opportunities for women with its vision of women-led development.
In a lighter moment, the Prime Minister praised his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon for being popular with the Indian community after dancing to a Bollywood song with Labor leader Chris Hipkins. Direk Kalandar During India’s Independence Day celebrations.
“You are a super hit, a real sensation in the Indian society. You have truly earned a special place in the hearts of Indians,” Modi said.
Noting that an Indian Prime Minister visited New Zealand after 40 years, Modi described this event as historical.
“Today, after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister came to New Zealand. It is my great fortune to bring you the best wishes of 140 crore Indians,” he said.
He also highlighted the deep integration and achievements of the Indian-origin community in New Zealand. Prime Minister Modi said the country provides equal opportunities to people of Indian origin to excel in various fields. While he gave examples of Nikhil Ravishankar becoming the CEO of Air New Zealand and Anand Satyanand serving as the country’s Governor-General, he also pointed to cricketers Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel as symbols of the Indian diaspora’s contribution to New Zealand’s sporting landscape.
The Prime Minister also noted India’s cultural imprint on New Zealand and said the relationship goes beyond people-to-people ties. Pointing out many places and streets bearing Indian names, including Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Kolkata Street, Delhi Crescent and Amritsar Street, he added that such names reflect long-standing historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
India-New Zealand sports cooperation
Prime Minister Modi said India is willing to learn from New Zealand in the field of rugby and wants more cooperation in sports. “India wants to learn from New Zealand in rugby. For that, we need coaches and experts. New Zealand can help us significantly in this regard,” he said, calling the recent coaching program involving New Zealand Rugby and Rugby India in Bhubaneswar a “great start”.
He also expressed confidence in expanding cooperation in sports technology. “I am confident that we can achieve a lot together in the field of sports technology. The futures of India and New Zealand are intertwined,” he said.
