India, New Zealand To Draft Agreement On Skilled Worker Mobility: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting on Monday, overseeing the signing of multiple agreements between the two nations.

PM Modi acknowledged the Indian community’s role in New Zealand’s economic and social progress, announcing plans to formulate an agreement addressing illegal migration and enhancing skilled worker mobility.

Joint Press Conference Highlights

At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “The Indian community residing in New Zealand is contributing positively to the economic and social development. We have decided to work on formulating an agreement to deal with the issue of illegal migration and to ease the mobility of skilled workers.”

Commending PM Luxon’s warmth toward the Indian community in New Zealand, the Prime Minister expressed delight in having a ‘young leader’ like him as the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue.

“I welcome PM Luxon and his cabinet to India. PM Luxon shares a strong connection with India. We saw how he celebrated Holi recently. His affection towards people of Indian origin living in New Zealand can be witnessed as a community delegation has also accompanied him here. We are happy that a young leader like him is our chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue 2025,” PM Modi further noted.

Delegation-Level Talks At Hyderabad House

Earlier, the two leaders held delegation-level discussions at Hyderabad House.

PM Luxon, who arrived in India on Sunday for a five-day visit, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat before the meeting.

The visit underscores efforts to strengthen economic ties, trade, and regional security.

Talks have also initiated discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

PM Luxon expressed his commitment to bolstering relations with India, praising the warm reception from the Indian government.

New Zealand PM highlighted his delegation as the largest business and community contingent ever brought by a New Zealand Prime Minister on a foreign visit.

During his visit, New Zealand Prime Minister met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who welcomed his focus on strengthening bilateral ties.

PM Luxon will likely deliver the keynote address as the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue, inaugurated by PM Modi.

Also Read: PM Modi, New Zealand PM Luxon Hold Talks At Hyderabad House In New Delhi