‘Worth the Wait’: New Zealand PM Luxon Hails Modi, Celebrates Historic India Visit Before 10,000-Strong Diaspora Gathering

Auckland, July 2026 : New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit as a landmark moment in bilateral relations, saying the long-awaited trip was “worth the wait” as he welcomed him before a packed Indian diaspora gathering in Auckland. Calling the event historic, Luxon praised India’s remarkable transformation under Modi’s leadership and highlighted the immense contribution of the Indian community to New Zealand’s growth and multicultural identity.

Addressing more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ community event, Luxon said it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, making the occasion one of the most significant moments in the relationship between the two countries.

“What an incredible crowd and what amazing energy fills this hall tonight,” Luxon said, as the audience responded with loud cheers. “Tonight, New Zealand makes history. For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting our country. Forty years is far too long between visits from family. But Prime Minister Modi, on behalf of five million New Zealanders, let me say—you are worth the wait.”

The New Zealand leader remarked that Auckland’s premier venue had hosted many internationally renowned personalities over the years, but the atmosphere created by the Indian community on Saturday evening was unlike anything he had witnessed before.

“This venue has welcomed some of the world’s biggest stars, but I have never experienced an atmosphere like this. The enthusiasm, warmth and excitement in this auditorium are truly extraordinary,” he said.

Luxon devoted a significant part of his address to India’s rapid economic and social progress over the past decade, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for driving one of the most remarkable development stories in the world. He noted that India had emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies while dramatically improving the lives of millions of its citizens.

He highlighted that nearly 250 million Indians had risen out of poverty in the last decade and pointed to the rapid expansion of India’s middle class, which now numbers around 445 million people. According to Luxon, rising incomes have enabled millions of families to improve their standard of living, invest in education, travel and secure a better future.

“That is one of the greatest advances in human dignity that the world has witnessed,” he said. “India’s transformation under Prime Minister Modi has been truly inspiring.”

The New Zealand Prime Minister also referred to India’s impressive infrastructure growth, noting that the country had more than doubled the number of airports to 157 while constructing approximately 95,000 kilometres of new highways. He further praised India’s achievements in science and technology, particularly its successful lunar mission that made it the first nation to land a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole.

Luxon said India’s growing economic influence would play a defining role in shaping the future global order.

“India is already among the world’s largest economies and is on track to become the third largest. The 21st century will undoubtedly be shaped by India, and New Zealand wants to build that future alongside India,” he said.

He also paid glowing tributes to the Indian-origin community in New Zealand, describing it as one of the country’s greatest strengths. He said Indian New Zealanders had made invaluable contributions across business, healthcare, education, technology, hospitality and public life, enriching the nation’s economy as well as its cultural fabric.

“You have helped shape modern New Zealand,” Luxon told the audience. “Without your contribution, our country simply would not be the same.”

He praised the resilience and work ethic of Indian families, noting that many immigrants had worked multiple jobs, built successful businesses and created better opportunities for future generations through dedication and perseverance.

“I see how incredibly hard you work every single day—working long hours, often taking on two or even three jobs—to buy your first home, establish your first business and give your children opportunities that previous generations never had,” he said.

As he concluded his address, Luxon welcomed Prime Minister Modi to the stage with warm words of admiration, describing him as one of the most influential global leaders of the present era.

“In just a few moments, you will hear from a leader who needs no introduction. He rose from humble beginnings to lead the world’s largest democracy, lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and has become one of the defining leaders of our time,” Luxon said. “Above all, he is a true friend of New Zealand.”

The event marked one of the highlights of Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to New Zealand, underscoring the deep cultural bonds between the two countries and reinforcing their commitment to expanding cooperation across trade, investment, education, technology and people-to-people ties.