Auckland’s Sky Tower Glows in Indian Tricolour to Welcome PM Modi on Historic New Zealand Visit

Auckland, July 2026 : In a symbolic display of friendship and goodwill, Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag on Friday evening to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to New Zealand. The spectacular tribute underscored the growing warmth in India-New Zealand relations as the Indian Prime Minister arrived in Auckland for the final leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour.

The illumination of one of New Zealand’s most recognisable landmarks served as a special gesture of welcome for Prime Minister Modi, whose visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. The event reflected the importance both countries attach to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Sharing a photograph of the illuminated Sky Tower, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the gesture as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

“A special welcome in Auckland! The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to New Zealand, symbolising the friendship between our two countries,” he posted on social media.

Prime Minister Modi received an equally warm welcome upon his arrival at Auckland Airport, where New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally greeted him. The two leaders exchanged a warm embrace, highlighting the cordial relationship that has developed between their governments. India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, along with senior officials from both countries, was also present to receive the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Luxon later shared a video of the arrival on social media, welcoming his Indian counterpart with the message, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Soon after landing, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a “historic” occasion and expressed optimism about further strengthening the India-New Zealand partnership.

“Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the warm welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-New Zealand friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations and is expected to open new avenues for cooperation in several strategic and economic sectors.

In another statement, the MEA noted that the visit would provide fresh momentum to collaboration in trade, defence, sports, education, culture, technology and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the expanding scope of engagement between the two democratic nations.

During his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold comprehensive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Luxon to review the entire spectrum of India-New Zealand relations. The talks are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and commerce, strengthening defence ties, boosting investment opportunities and expanding collaboration in innovation, agriculture and renewable energy.

The leaders are also expected to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in the Indo-Pacific region and ways to deepen strategic cooperation.

Apart from official meetings, Prime Minister Modi will interact with leading business executives and prominent sports personalities, highlighting the growing importance of economic and cultural partnerships between the two countries. A major highlight of the visit will be his address to a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, where thousands of community members are expected to participate.

The visit follows New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trip to India earlier and comes at a time when bilateral relations have witnessed significant progress, particularly after the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The landmark agreement has injected fresh momentum into economic cooperation and is expected to further strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.

With the Sky Tower glowing in the Indian tricolour and New Zealand extending an exceptional welcome, Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit is being viewed as the beginning of a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations, paving the way for closer cooperation across diplomacy, trade, defence, education, sports and cultural exchanges.