Auckland, 11 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the Indian diaspora in New Zealand to continue serving as a strong bridge of friendship, trust, and cooperation between India and New Zealand while addressing a massive gathering of the Indian community at the Kia Ora Modi programme in Auckland. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was also present at the event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora.

Beginning his address, Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for attending the programme and for his unwavering support towards strengthening India–New Zealand bilateral relations and promoting the welfare of the Indian-origin community in New Zealand. He also expressed his gratitude for the warm and affectionate welcome extended to him by the Indian community.

The Prime Minister said the Indian diaspora has been making significant contributions across various sectors in New Zealand through its hard work, dedication, and determination. He noted that while preserving its rich cultural heritage, traditions, and festivals, the community has also played an important role in enriching New Zealand's multicultural identity. Praising the spirit of service demonstrated by the Indian community, he said its members have set an exemplary standard through voluntary service, philanthropy, and social welfare initiatives.

Modi said the event was not merely a gathering of the Indian community but a celebration of the enduring friendship between India and New Zealand, their sporting ties, and their expanding economic partnership. He highlighted that the year 2026 will mark 100 years of sporting cooperation between the two nations, adding that both countries remain committed to taking collaboration in this field to even greater heights.

The Prime Minister also lauded New Zealand's Māori culture for its emphasis on inclusivity and sustainable development. He said India, too, is pursuing a development model that balances the preservation of its cultural heritage with modern progress.

Urging the Indian diaspora to play an even more active role in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and New Zealand, Modi said the community has the potential to inject fresh momentum into the bonds of trust, cooperation, and people-to-people ties between the two countries while contributing meaningfully towards their shared prosperity.

Wherever Indians live outside their homeland, they wholeheartedly contribute to the progress of the country they call home. At the same time, they remain deeply connected with India's development. We love our motherland with all our hearts, and we are equally devoted to the land where we work and build our lives, the Prime Minister said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar