PM Modi, Luxon Vow To Enhance India-NZ Ties

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, deepening defence cooperation, and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing media after holding talks at New Delhi's Hyderabad House, the two leaders also took a firm stance against terrorism and agreed to enhance people-to-people ties.

Luxon, who arrived in Delhi on Sunday on his first official visit to India, is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to visit the country in nine years. In his remarks, PM Modi acknowledged the New Zealand PM's longstanding association with India.

"We all saw the way he created a festive atmosphere by playing Holi in Auckland a few days ago. His affection for the Indian-origin community in New Zealand is evident from the large delegation accompanying him on this visit," PM Modi said.

The visiting leader will join the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, as chief guest which PM Modi said reflects his leadership and engagement with India.