PM Modi in Auckland: India-New Zealand 'Waka' begins new journey after 40 years
Synopsis
For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has set foot in New Zealand — and Modi used the Māori concept of 'waka' to reframe the bilateral relationship as a shared voyage into a 'sea of opportunities.' The symbolism was deliberate: a long-dormant partnership is being relaunched, with bipartisan New Zealand support and a 140-crore mandate behind it.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi addressed the 'Kia Ora Modi' diaspora event in Auckland on 11 July , the first Indian PM to visit New Zealand in 40 years .
Modi invoked the Māori word 'waka' (canoe) to symbolise a renewed India-New Zealand shared journey.
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon appeared alongside Modi, with members of the opposition Labour Party also present, reflecting bipartisan support.
Modi said he carried the 'best wishes of 140 crore Indians' and credited the diaspora as the 'true navigators' of the bilateral relationship.
Both Prime Ministers received commemorative jerseys bearing their names and the number '100' during the celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 11 July addressed thousands of Indian diaspora members at a grand community event titled 'Kia Ora Modi' in Auckland, New Zealand, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister in 40 years to visit the country. Standing alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Modi invoked the Māori concept of 'waka' — a traditional canoe — as a symbol of the two nations' shared journey forward.
The 'Waka' Metaphor at the Heart of the Address
'Friends, in the relationship between India and New Zealand, there are memories, there is friendship, there are values, and there is also a commitment. One beautiful New Zealand tradition defines this relationship perfectly — it is the word 'waka' which binds this relationship... Waka is not merely a boat. It is a symbol of shared journey, a symbol of our shared relationship. This waka is set to take a new journey today and a sea of opportunities lies ahead of us, the wind and waves are backing us,' Modi said, drawing thunderous applause from the assembled crowd.
Modi added that his confidence in this new chapter stemmed not from himself but from the diaspora: 'Not because of Modi, but because you all are its true navigators.'
A Historic Visit Four Decades in the Making
Modi described it as his 'great fortune' to be visiting New Zealand as Prime Minister — a milestone that underscores the long gap in high-level bilateral engagement. He said he had brought with him the 'best wishes of 140 crore Indians,' framing the visit as a moment of renewed commitment between the two democracies.
The venue resonated with chants of 'Modi, Modi' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' as the Prime Minister spoke. Attendees waved Indian Tricolours and New Zealand flags, with many raising mobile phones to capture the occasion.
Bipartisan Support and the Kiwi-Indian Community
Modi specifically acknowledged the presence of members from both the ruling coalition and the opposition Labour Party at the event, calling it a demonstration of 'immense bipartisan support' for India-New Zealand ties. He paid tribute to the Indian community spread across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, describing them as a 'vital part of this shared journey.'
'This also highlights the magnitude of the achievements and contributions of the Kiwi-Indian community,' Modi reflected, underlining the role of the diaspora as a bridge between the two nations.
Cultural Celebrations and Commemorative Honours
Ahead of the address, artists performed cultural dances and folk music to welcome the Indian Prime Minister, showcasing India's cultural heritage to the assembled audience. Both Prime Ministers were presented with commemorative jerseys bearing their names and the number '100', marking a special moment during the celebrations.
The large turnout at the 'Kia Ora Modi' event signals strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, and with both governments now aligned on deepening the bilateral relationship, the coming months are likely to see formal progress on trade, mobility, and strategic cooperation.
Point of View
Framed in the language of Māori tradition, is a calculated reset: culturally resonant, diaspora-energised, and backed by rare bipartisan optics from Wellington. The real test will be whether the 'waka' metaphor translates into concrete deliverables — a free trade agreement that has stalled for years, easier mobility for Indian professionals, and a defence partnership that keeps pace with a shifting Indo-Pacific. Symbolism travels fast; agreements travel slower.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi's New Zealand visit historically significant?
PM Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand on 11 July marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country in 40 years, making it a landmark moment in bilateral relations. The visit signals a deliberate effort to reinvigorate ties that had seen limited high-level engagement for decades.
What is the significance of the 'waka' reference in Modi's speech?
'Waka' is a traditional Māori canoe and a powerful cultural symbol in New Zealand representing collective journey and shared purpose. Modi used it to describe the India-New Zealand relationship as a partnership embarking on a new voyage, drawing an appreciative response from the diaspora audience in Auckland.
Who attended the 'Kia Ora Modi' event in Auckland?
The event was attended by thousands of Indian diaspora members across New Zealand, alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and members of both the ruling coalition and the opposition Labour Party. The bipartisan attendance was highlighted by Modi as evidence of broad support for India-New Zealand relations.
What role does the Indian diaspora play in India-New Zealand ties?
Modi described the Indian community in cities including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown as a 'vital part' of the bilateral journey and the 'true navigators' of the relationship. The large turnout at the event underscored the diaspora's significance as a bridge between the two countries.
What commemorative gesture was made at the event?
Both PM Modi and PM Christopher Luxon were presented with commemorative jerseys bearing their names and the number '100' during the 'Kia Ora Modi' celebrations in Auckland.
