Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the shared cultural values between India and New Zealand’s Māori community, saying their common emphasis on respect for nature, community and sustainability can help create a new model for inclusive and sustainable global trade.
Addressing the Business and Sports Engagement event in Auckland, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Māori business leaders and said the recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) includes special opportunities for Māori businesses.
“I express gratitude, especially to Māori business leaders. India’s culture and Māori tradition both have deep respect for nature, community and sustainability. Even in our FTA, opportunities for Māori businesses have been given a special place. Connecting our shared values, we can build a new model for inclusive and sustainable trade,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said India and New Zealand are elevating their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and praised both the Māori and wider New Zealand business communities for their contribution to strengthening economic cooperation.
The Māori business sector has traditionally been active in agribusiness, fisheries and forestry, while increasingly expanding into sectors such as tourism, real estate, professional services and renewable energy. Māori enterprises are recognised for their long-term, community-focused and sustainability-driven approach and maintain strong export links with markets across Asia.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a traditional Māori powhiri ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland, which he described as a moving reflection of New Zealand’s indigenous heritage.
“Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Māori powhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions,” he said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Modi also held delegation-level talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, during which the two leaders welcomed the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Describing his visit as historic, PM Modi noted that it was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
“It gives me great pleasure that an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand after 40 years. By organising an event in your economic capital, you have created an opportunity to infuse new strength into the relationship between India and New Zealand. I am deeply grateful,” he said.
The Prime Minister also thanked Prime Minister Luxon and his government for concluding the FTA in a record time.
“When you visited India, the FTA process began. The way all of New Zealand united to bring the FTA to fruition in such a short time, perhaps a global first for such a swift success, is remarkable. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to your leadership, your government and your team for this achievement,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic convergence between the two countries, PM Modi said India and New Zealand are natural partners linked by democratic values and shared interests as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. He expressed confidence that the enhanced partnership would contribute to regional and global peace, stability and security.
-ANI
