New Zealand’s Luxon hails Indian-Kiwis ahead of meeting with PM Modi, Raisina Dialogue

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has hailed the contributions of the Indian-Kiwi community, describing them as an integral part of New Zealand’s social and economic fabric, ahead of his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participation in the Raisina Dialogue.

Luxon, who is on a visit to India with a high-profile delegation, pointed to the fact that the Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand and plays a significant role in the country’s workforce and education system.

“India is our largest source of skilled migrants and our second-largest source of international students,” he said.

Marking his first official visit to India as Prime Minister, Luxon has brought along New Zealand’s largest-ever delegation on a foreign trip, comprising community and business leaders. The delegation aims to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

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“Indian-Kiwis make a massive contribution to New Zealand, and I’m proud of what this community does for our country,” Luxon added in a social media post. His visit includes engagements in Delhi and Mumbai, where he is expected to hold discussions with Indian business leaders and government officials.

The Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, India is our largest source of skilled migrants, and our second largest source of international students.

In short, Indian-Kiwis make a massive contribution to New Zealand and I’m proud of what this… pic.twitter.com/Dnwf8gNUMw

— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) March 17, 2025

Luxon’s visit comes at a time when both India and New Zealand are looking to enhance trade and investment ties, particularly in the fields of education, technology, and agribusiness. Discussions with PM Modi are likely to focus on bilateral trade, regional security, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

A key highlight of Luxon’s itinerary is his participation in the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship geopolitical and strategic affairs conference happening from March 17 through 19.

As part of its commitment to in-depth analysis and fearless journalism, Firstpost will provide exclusive coverage of the Raisina Dialogue through a special initiative, “Ideas Pod”.