PM Modi also said the future of India and New Zealand is intertwined and that the proposed bilateral trade agreement would create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
‘India growing at an unprecedented pace’
Speaking at the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ community event alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, PM Modi said India continues to grow at an unprecedented pace despite global uncertainties.
“Amid global challenges, the speed at which India is developing is unprecedented. Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
Focus on India-New Zealand ties
PM Modi described India and New Zealand’s relationship as one built on friendship, shared democratic values and mutual commitment. He said the future of both countries is closely linked and expressed confidence that the proposed bilateral trade agreement would further strengthen economic cooperation.
PM Modi said the proposed bilateral trade agreement would provide new opportunities for businesses in India and New Zealand. He added that it would accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
The Prime Minister said that India is presenting the world with a new model of development, highlighting the country’s advances in digital payments, drone technology and the space sector. “Today in India, billions of digital transactions are happening every month through UPI. India is touching new heights in drone technology and the space economy,” he added.
First Indian PM to visit New Zealand in 40 years
Modi, who arrived in Auckland on Friday on the final leg of his three-nation tour, is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit New Zealand in four decades.
Recalling his earlier visit to the country before entering public life, Modi showed the audience a muffler he had received as a gift nearly 25 to 30 years ago.
On Saturday, PM Modi concluded his three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, departing for India after completing his visit to Auckland. During the visit, India and New Zealand elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and unveiled a roadmap to expand cooperation across sectors.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “A visit that deepened bonds, strengthened partnerships and shaped a shared future. After concluding substantive discussions and overseeing key set of outcomes in New Zealand, PM Narendra Modi departs for India.”
