Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 11 July expressed gratitude to the Indian community in New Zealand and to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for making the 'Kia Ora Modi' diaspora event in Auckland a 'memorable experience', citing the 'incredible enthusiasm and affection' on display. More than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora attended the gathering, which was also joined by Luxon in a gesture of bipartisan solidarity.

What Happened at the Event

Modi addressed the large assembly at the 'Kia Ora Modi' event, opening his remarks by thanking Luxon for his presence and his support for the bilateral partnership, including the welfare of the Kiwi-Indian community. Cultural dance performances and folk music preceded the Prime Minister's address, setting a celebratory tone. Attendees waved Indian Tricolour and New Zealand flags as Modi took the stage to chants of 'Modi, Modi' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.

'The Indian community in New Zealand is one of the strongest pillars of our friendship. Addressing them in Auckland was a memorable experience,' Modi posted on X after the event. He added: 'Glad that my friend Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined the community programme in Auckland. His presence reflects the warmth he has for India and the Indian community.'

Modi's Key Message to the Diaspora

Drawing on a Māori metaphor, Modi invoked the concept of the waka — a traditional Māori canoe — to describe the India-New Zealand 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,' he said to sustained applause.

Modi urged the Indian community to continue serving as a 'bridge of friendship, trust and cooperation' between the two nations, and credited the diaspora — not political leadership — as the 'true navigators' of the bilateral partnership. 'Not because of Modi, but because you all are its true navigators,' he said.

Bipartisan Support and Sporting Ties

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Modi noted that the gathering was not merely a diaspora event but 'a celebration of India-New Zealand friendship, of sporting ties and their economic partnership.' He highlighted that 2026 marks 100 years of sporting collaboration between the two countries and expressed keenness to deepen those ties further.

Modi also acknowledged members of both the New Zealand government and the Labour Party present at the event, describing their attendance as evidence of 'immense bipartisan support' for India-New Zealand relations.

Diaspora's Role and India's Development Vision

The MEA statement noted that the Kiwi-Indian community has emerged as a 'dynamic force', contributing across sectors of New Zealand life. Modi commended the community for preserving Indian culture, festivals, and traditions while enriching New Zealand's multicultural fabric. He particularly praised the community's spirit of seva (selfless service), citing its volunteerism and charitable record.

Appreciating local Māori culture for its 'inclusive and sustainable approach', Modi drew a parallel with India's own development pathway, which he described as combining heritage with growth. The event underscored the depth of people-to-people ties between the two nations, with the turnout reflecting the Indian community's enthusiasm for the Prime Minister's visit.