PM Modi Receives Traditional Maori Welcome In Auckland

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a traditional Maori powhiri ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland on Saturday. He described the ceremony as a reflection of New Zealand's rich heritage and traditions.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the welcome on social media, saying it was a moving reflection of New Zealand's rich heritage. He also shared a video of the ceremony, showcasing the traditional Maori customs.

PM Modi held delegation-level talks with his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, during which he hailed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic milestone in bilateral ties. He thanked Luxon for concluding the pact in a short span, calling it a remarkable achievement.

The Prime Minister also noted that his visit to New Zealand was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years, infusing new momentum into the relationship and reaffirming the two countries' commitment to deepening their partnership. He expressed his gratitude to Luxon for organizing an event in Auckland, saying it created an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between India and New Zealand.

PM Modi said the warmth shown by the people of New Zealand towards India was deeply moving and described the visit as a defining moment in bilateral ties. He also emphasized that the two countries are natural partners due to their shared democratic values and close cooperation as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific.

The India-New Zealand FTA is expected to boost trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. PM Modi expressed confidence in the future of the partnership, saying both countries could make a meaningful contribution to the region's prosperity and security.

The visit marks a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations, with the two countries seeking to strengthen their ties in areas such as trade, defense, and culture. The traditional Maori welcome ceremony was a symbol of the warm relations between the two nations.

The Prime Minister's visit to New Zealand is part of his efforts to strengthen India's relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit is seen as a significant step in promoting India's economic and strategic interests in the region.

In conclusion, PM Modi's visit to New Zealand has marked a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The traditional Maori welcome ceremony and the delegation-level talks with Christopher Luxon have highlighted the strong ties between India and New Zealand, and the potential for further cooperation in the future.