‘2025 is not 1945’: At Raisina Dialogue, New Zealand’s Luxon backs India’s permanent seat at UNSC

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon voiced strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Addressing the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Luxon highlighted the growing diversification of trade between India and New Zealand, moving beyond traditional sectors like wood due to the increasing sophistication of India’s economy.

“Prime Minister Modi and I sat down today and we charted out the future of our two countries’ relationship…We agreed that our defence forces build greater strategic trust with one another while deploying together and training together more. We want our scientists to collaborate on global challenges like climate change and on commercial opportunities like space. We are supporting our businesses in improving air links and building primary sector cooperation. We will facilitate students, young professionals, and tourists moving between our two countries, and we have instructed our trade negotiators to negotiate a comprehensive free trade agreement between our two great nations…”

#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

“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.

He pointed out that New Zealanders of Indian heritage now make up 11% of Auckland’s population, the country’s largest city. To underscore the contributions of the Kiwi-Indian community, Luxon brought a delegation of prominent Indian-origin leaders to New Delhi, including members of parliament, industry leaders, professional cricketers, and an online influencer who has revolutionized investment opportunities for women globally.

“These are Kiwi-Indians who get up each and every single morning to make New Zealand a better place to live,” Luxon said, celebrating the community’s role in shaping New Zealand’s society and economy. His remarks underscored the enduring and dynamic relationship between the two nations, rooted in shared history and mutual respect.

#WATCH | Delhi | At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says, "...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… pic.twitter.com/b9NWk8A6Oe

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2025

In a post on X, PM Modi reiterated, “It is a matter of immense joy to be welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Delhi. It is equally gladdening that such a youthful, dynamic and energetic leader will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Raisina Dialogue.”

He also mentioned their earlier discussions, stating, “We had wide-ranging talks earlier today, covering all important sectors relating to India-New Zealand friendship.“Earlier in the day, the two leaders met at Hyderabad House for a bilateral discussion.

In a joint press statement, PM Modi addressed security concerns, highlighting, “the devastating attacks on Christ Church in 2019 and Mumbai’s 26/11 tragedy.“He stressed the importance of strong action against terrorism, affirming that such threats are unacceptable in any form. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.

Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a five-day visit, including attending the Raisina Dialogue. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.