New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Ahead of his talks with Prime Minister Modi later today, the New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that he has brought along with him the biggest delegation, which includes a business delegation, Kiwi-Indians and a kapa haka team.
Speaking to the media, he said:
“The Indian government has been incredibly generous and very very welcoming to New Zealand, and it also speaks for the way they also want to deepen this relationship in the same way.
“We have brought the biggest delegation that has ever accompanied a prime minister. We have brought a business delegation, we have brought a community delegation, a kapa haka team, because we actually want to make this as big as it possibly can.
“Because the size of the prize is immense. And what actually is this all about? It’s about getting cash back into the Kiwi’s pockets, and we do that by growing our economy, and expanding our trade opportunities. That’s important.”
Kapa haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance.
Separately, in a post on X, PM Luxon posted about the Indian-Kiwi community who comprise six percent of the population of New Zealand.
“The Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, India is our largest source of skilled migrants, and our second largest source of international students.
“In short, Indian-Kiwis make a massive contribution to New Zealand and I’m proud of what this community does for our country.
“I’ve brought along a senior delegation of community and business leaders here to India – the largest ever group to accompany a New Zealand PM on a foreign trip.
“Was great to catch up with them after our arrival and before we kick off our events in Delhi and Mumbai.”
On his arrival on Sunday, PM Luxon said in a post on X: “I’ve landed in India – a country of huge importance to New Zealand’s prosperity, security and society.
“India provides huge economic opportunity for Kiwis.
“That’s why I’m here and that’s why I’ve brought a senior delegation of business and community leaders with me.”
According to a report, his delegation comprises some 41 top-tier business honchos, like Air NZ chair Dame Therese Walsh, sportspeople like cricketers Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel.
A 19-person Kiwi-Indian delegation includes former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, MPs from Labour, National, Act and NZ First, heads of the Indian community and business organisations, and Simran Kaur – host of popular podcast Girls that Invest.
The delegation also includes Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, and Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell.
Last week, PM Luxon had said that trade and security will play a central role his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including talks on a free trade deal.
On Sunday evening, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the New Zealand PM.
“Pleased to call on PM @chrisluxonmp of New Zealand.
“Appreciate his commitment to further deepening our longstanding ties.
“Looking forward to his participation as Chief Guest in #RaisinaDialogue2025.”
UNI RN