Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to New Zealand proved to be an important milestone for India-New Zealand relations. During this visit held in Auckland, both the countries agreed to formally elevate their relations to the level of strategic partnership. Besides, a target was also set to double the bilateral trade to approximately Rs 35,000 crore (7 billion New Zealand dollars) by the year 2030.
Cultural connection, faith and active role of the Indian community are also considered important behind this diplomatic success. In particular, the BAPS Swaminarayan community has made a significant contribution in strengthening the social and cultural ties between India and New Zealand.
Service and cultural connection become a strong foundation
The foundation built on ‘service’ The deep relationship between the leadership of New Zealand and Indians was clearly strengthened in September 2023. During the Janmashtami celebrations at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Auckland in September 2023, Christopher Lakson, who was the leader of the opposition at the time, had praised the selfless service of the Indian community. He had said that the Indian community has played an important role in strengthening New Zealand through service and social contribution.
Even after becoming Prime Minister, Luxon and her administration continued to highlight the contributions of the Indian community. Speaking at the Diwali and Hindu New Year celebrations held at the BAPS Temple in Wellington in October 2025, he said that without the contribution of the Indian community, today’s New Zealand would not have been what it is today. He also praised the community for passing on service and social values to the new generation.
Laxan had reached Akshardham during his visit to India.
In March 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reached New Delhi with a 110-member delegation on his official visit to India. During this time he visited Swaminarayan Akshardham temple.
Praising the cultural, social and economic role of the Indian community, he said that the Hindu community has made an important contribution in making New Zealand more prosperous and diverse. The visit to Akshardham was very symbolic, due to which Lakson expressed great pride in the multicultural fabric of New Zealand.
Modi-Lakson shared stage in Auckland
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on a visit to Auckland. This was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. More than 10 thousand people of Indian origin participated in the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ program organized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Auckland. On this occasion, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was also present on the stage with Prime Minister Modi. The spiritual and cultural good feeling built over so many years transformed into a shared vision for the future, where PM Modi beautifully blended Indian thinking with local Maori culture.
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In his address, Prime Minister Modi praised the service work and social contribution of the Indian community and said that this event is not just a program of the Indian diaspora, but a celebration of the friendship between India and New Zealand. Referring to ‘Waka’, a symbol of Maori culture, he said that it is a symbol of common journey and common progress and India and New Zealand are now ready to start a new common journey.
BAPS expressed commitment regarding relationships
In a statement issued by New Delhi-based BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, it was said that the institution is committed to furthering the spirit of friendship, mutual trust and selfless service between India and New Zealand, so that the relations between the two countries can become stronger for generations to come.
Along with growing cooperation in areas like defence, maritime security and trade, cultural and social ties have also given new strength to India-New Zealand relations. As both countries look to a future of greater defence, maritime and trade cooperation, the events of the last three years have proven that the strongest agreements are those built on a foundation of shared human values, trust and an enduring sense of community.
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