‘Big fan of India’ New Zealand PM Luxon to visit India this month amid strain in ties with China

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to India from March 16-20, marking his first visit to the country since taking office.

Luxon has repeatedly praised India’s economic potential and the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, saying in October last year that he is “a big fan of India… It’s a country I love, admire tremendously.”

#WATCH | Vientiane, Lao: After his bilateral meeting with PM Modi, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says, "I'm a big fan of India...It's a country I love, admire tremendously. Indians back at home in New Zealand have done exceptionally well in New Zealand. They're very inspiring.… pic.twitter.com/TjGOWiKIpY

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2024

The trip comes at a time of growing tensions between Wellington and Beijing, as New Zealand seeks to diversify its economic and diplomatic partnerships.

Luxon, who has previously expressed great admiration for India, will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on March 17 to discuss trade, defence cooperation, and expanding people-to-people ties. PM Modi will host a luncheon in his honour, and Luxon will also meet President Droupadi Murmu.

The visit shows an effort to deepen New Zealand-India relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Key events on Luxon’s agenda

Luxon will be the Chief Guest at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, a major geopolitical conference in New Delhi, where he will deliver the keynote address. He is also set to visit Mumbai on March 19-20 for meetings with Indian business leaders.

The visit signals New Zealand’s push to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with India, particularly as tensions between Wellington and Beijing mount over economic dependencies and regional security concerns. China has been New Zealand’s largest trading partner, but Luxon’s government has expressed interest in broadening economic relationships, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

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New Zealand’s engagement with India has been relatively limited in recent years, but both sides are now looking to reinvigorate ties. Officials have pointed to opportunities in technology, education, agriculture, and defence cooperation.

Luxon’s visit is expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced trade talks and investment partnerships, as New Zealand aligns itself more closely with India.