“Kiwi Indians Are a Dynamic Force”: PM Modi
Prime Minister addresses over 10,000 Indian community members at 'Kia Ora Modi' event in Auckland
- PM Narendra Modi addresses over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland.
- New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon joins the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ event.
- Modi praises the Indian community’s contribution to New Zealand’s growth.
- Calls on diaspora to serve as a bridge for the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.
GG News Bureau
Auckland, 11th July: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the Indian diaspora in New Zealand to act as a bridge of friendship, trust and cooperation between the two countries while addressing a gathering of more than 10,000 community members at the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ event in Auckland.
In a special gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined the event, reflecting the growing warmth in bilateral relations following the elevation of India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Luxon for his presence and his continued support for the India-New Zealand partnership and the welfare of the Indian community living in New Zealand.
He also expressed gratitude to the diaspora for the warm welcome and praised the community’s determination, hard work and perseverance, saying Kiwi Indians have emerged as a dynamic force contributing significantly across various sectors in New Zealand.
The Prime Minister commended the community for preserving India’s cultural heritage, traditions and festivals while enriching New Zealand’s multicultural society. He also lauded their spirit of ‘seva’ (selfless service), highlighting their contributions through volunteer work, charitable initiatives and community welfare activities.
Modi said the gathering was not merely an event for the Indian diaspora but a celebration of the enduring friendship between India and New Zealand, their shared sporting legacy and expanding economic partnership.
Referring to 2026 as the centenary year of sporting collaboration between the two countries, the Prime Minister said both nations are committed to further strengthening cooperation in sports.
He also appreciated the values of New Zealand’s Māori culture, describing its inclusive and sustainable approach as one that resonates with India’s own model of development, which seeks to balance heritage with progress.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi urged the Indian community to continue strengthening people-to-people ties and play an active role in realising the full potential of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership for the benefit of both countries.
