Indian Diaspora in New Zealand Eager for PM Modi's Visit During Luxon's India Trip
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Synopsis
The Indian diaspora in New Zealand is hopeful that PM Christopher Luxon will persuade PM Narendra Modi to visit New Zealand during his upcoming trip to India. With a significant Indian population, the community eagerly anticipates strengthening ties between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- Indian diaspora in New Zealand seeks PM Modi's visit.
- Luxon's trip to India is from March 16-20.
- Over six percent of New Zealand's population is of Indian descent.
- Indians contribute significantly to New Zealand's economy and culture.
- Luxon's delegation is one of the largest in history.
Auckland, March 14 (NationPress) The substantial Indian diaspora community residing in New Zealand is eagerly anticipating that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is set to travel to India this weekend, will successfully persuade Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a visit to New Zealand at the earliest.
Luxon is scheduled for an official trip to India from March 16-20, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation that includes ministers, senior officials, business representatives, media, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
This marks his inaugural visit to India since taking office, and he will be joined by a prominent delegation, featuring ministers, senior officials, businesses, media, and members of the Indian diaspora community.
“Prime Minister Luxon consistently speaks highly of Prime Minister Modi whenever he has the chance. From pre-election times to after taking office, he has demonstrated a strong desire to engage with India, especially with Prime Minister Modi as a leader,” stated Bhav Dhillon, the former Honorary Consul of India in Auckland and a prominent figure in the Indian diaspora in the country, during an interview with IANS.
Dhillon will accompany the New Zealand PM on his visit to New Delhi and Mumbai before returning to Wellington on March 20.
“The diaspora here is deeply interested in events occurring in India. They maintain a strong connection to their roots. Prime Minister Modi enjoys significant popularity here. The community is excited about the possibility of hosting Prime Minister Modi in New Zealand. We are optimistic that during PM Luxon’s meeting with PM Modi, he will extend an invitation for him to visit New Zealand. This has been a long-standing request from the diaspora,” remarked Dhillon.
According to recent statistics, more than six percent of New Zealand's population has Indian origins, making them the country's third-largest ethnic group. Most reside in and around Auckland, which is New Zealand's largest city.
“That is a considerable number. The people-to-people connection, what we refer to as the living bridge between the two nations, holds immense significance. Indians are contributing across various sectors, whether it is culture, business, economics, sports, or any other facet of New Zealand life. Economically, a census conducted last October revealed that the average income of Indian adults is 25 percent higher than that of the general population here. Thus, Indians are making substantial contributions economically as well. We are a successful, hardworking, and peace-loving community in New Zealand,” Dhillon explained.
With numerous individuals accompanying the Kiwi PM on his flight to New Delhi this Sunday, Dhillon noted that this will be one of the largest delegations in New Zealand's history accompanying the nation's leader on a foreign visit.
“He (Luxon) is committed to making a strong impression. The Prime Minister is very eager to meet Prime Minister Modi,” said Dhillon.
