Raisina Dialogue 2025: New Zealand PM Luxon hails 200 years of India-New Zealand ties

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted the long-standing relationship between Indians and New Zealanders on Monday, reflecting on over two centuries of shared history during his address at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi.

“It is more than 200 years since Indians and New Zealanders began living side by side… Just as they were 200 years ago, ‘Kiwi-Indians’ today are fully integrated into our multicultural society,” he said.

#WATCH | Delhi | At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says, "Our trade has diversified considerably from wood, thanks to the increased sophistication of your economy. Today, India is a critical source of pharmaceuticals and machinery for us. While we are… pic.twitter.com/LvYGLlvQGk

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

Talking about  the significant presence of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, Luxon pointed out that “New Zealanders of Indian heritage comprise 11 per cent of the people living in Auckland, our biggest city.”

“India and New Zealand are so fortunate to live in one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world. The Indo-Pacific represents two-thirds of global economic growth in the coming years…India itself is at the centre of this exciting economic future…”

#WATCH | Delhi | At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says, "...India and New Zealand are so fortunate to live in one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world. The Indo-Pacific represents two-thirds of global economic growth in the coming… pic.twitter.com/bXmERK6AxA

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

He also brought a delegation of Kiwi-Indian leaders to Delhi, explaining, “I brought with me to New Delhi a selection of the Kiwi-Indian community leaders–members of parliament, captains of industry, professional cricketers, an online influencer who has revolutionised investment for women in the world. In short, a selection of Kiwi-Indians who get up every single morning to make New Zealand a better place to live.”