On March 16, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon landed in New Delhi for his first official visit to India, receiving a warm welcome from Union Minister SP Singh Baghel.
Luxon’s visit comes after a nine-year gap, marking the first visit by a New Zealand PM to India since former PM John Key’s trip.
Diplomatic Engagements
During his visit, Luxon will hold discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 17, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations.
Following their talks, PM Modi will host a lunch in Luxon’s honor.
Luxon will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu.
This diplomatic exchange highlights the importance of fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Luxon will be the Chief Guest and keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, which takes place on March 17.
His address will further solidify New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening its strategic and economic relations with India.
Business & Cultural Engagements
Accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, prominent business leaders, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, Prime Minister Luxon is set to travel to Mumbai from March 19-20.
During his visit, he will actively engage with leading Indian business figures across various sectors.
Luxon’s interactions will focus on fostering economic collaboration, identifying new trade and investment opportunities, and strengthening commercial ties between New Zealand and India.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared his excitement about his visit to India on X:
“I’ve landed in India – a country of huge importance to New Zealand’s prosperity, security, and society. India provides huge economic opportunity for Kiwis. That’s why I’m here, and I’ve brought a senior delegation of business and community leaders with me.”
I’ve landed in India – a country of huge importance to New Zealand’s prosperity, security and society.
India provides huge economic opportunity for Kiwis.
That’s why I’m here and that’s why I’ve brought a senior delegation of business and community leaders with
me. pic.twitter.com/hVA9c9aoW9— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 16, 2025
Additionally, the visit will aim to explore avenues for boosting bilateral trade, especially in emerging industries such as technology, renewable energy, and agriculture.
By meeting with Indian business leaders, Luxon intends to build a stronger economic partnership, opening doors for increased trade and investment between the two nations.
This engagement reflects the growing importance of India as a strategic partner for New Zealand’s economic future.
Moreover, the visit underscores the role of the Indian diaspora in facilitating deeper cultural and business connections between the two countries.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Luxon’s visit is a reaffirmation of the strong ties between India and New Zealand, underscoring both countries’ commitment to deepening cooperation across trade, education, culture, and innovation.
India and New Zealand’s diplomatic relationship has grown over the years, underpinned by a large Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
Bilateral trade reached $1.80 billion in 2022, making New Zealand India’s 11th-largest trading partner.
The two countries continue to explore opportunities in strategic sectors like technology, education, and renewable energy.
Luxon’s visit is set to pave the way for even closer cooperation, with both countries poised to take their partnership to new heights.
Also Read: Bill Gates Praises India’s Success In Health, Tech, & AI Ahead Of Visit
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