Modi receives Māori ceremonial welcome and meets Luxon during New Zealand visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland, New Zealand, as he began the final leg of his three-nation tour. The ceremony featured a traditional Māori Pōwhiri, an indigenous welcome that highlights the country's customs. The Pōwhiri is a sacred Māori welcoming ceremony performed to greet important guests, visitors, or dignitaries and is considered one of New Zealand's most significant cultural traditions. View this post on Instagram Meaning and traditions of pōwhiriA Pōwhiri is a formal Māori ceremony that welcomes visitors onto a marae (traditional Māori meeting ground) or another significant venue. It symbolises the transition of visitors from being strangers to becoming welcomed guests. The ceremony reflects values of respect, unity, peace, and mutual understanding.The ritual usually begins with a karanga. It is a ceremonial call delivered by Māori women, inviting guests to enter. This is followed by speeches from both the hosts and the visitors, often accompanied by traditional songs known as waiata. In many ceremonies, participants also observe a moment of reflection to honour ancestors and those who have passed away.One of the most recognisable parts of the Pōwhiri is the hongi. It is a traditional greeting in which two people gently press their noses and foreheads together. The gesture represents the sharing of the "breath of life" and signifies friendship, trust, and the coming together of two groups.A stronger economic partnership between India and New Zealand will create new opportunities for businesses, innovators and our youth. Delighted to interact with industry leaders in Auckland.@chrisluxonmp https://t.co/Zlkc3VYcDa— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026 Significance during PM Modi's visitThe Pōwhiri held for Prime Minister Modi underscored New Zealand's respect for Māori traditions while honouring a visiting world leader. Such ceremonies are commonly organised for heads of state, diplomats, and distinguished guests, which reflects New Zealand's commitment to preserving and celebrating its indigenous heritage.PM Modi Becomes First Indian Prime Minister To Visit New Zealand In 40 Years, Receives Warm Welcome From PM Luxon | VideoPM Modi shares glimpse of visitPrime Minister shared glimpses of his New Zealand visit on X and said that he was honoured to receive a traditional Māori Pōwhiri welcome at the Government House. In a post on X, he wrote, "Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Māori pōwhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions."Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Māori pōwhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions.@chrisluxonmp pic.twitter.com/6yhtmert9N— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026 The ceremonial welcome was followed by delegation-level talks with New Zealand's PM, during which both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to deepen the relationship between India and New Zealand.

The event highlighted the growing warmth in India-New Zealand relations during the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.

Auckland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (local time) said he was "honoured" to receive a traditional Maori powhiri ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland, describing the ceremony as a reflection of New Zealand's rich heritage and traditions.Also Watch: In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the ceremonial welcome accorded to him at the start of his engagements in New Zealand."Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Maori powhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand's rich heritage and traditions," the Prime Minister wrote.Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Māori pōwhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions.@chrisluxonmp pic.twitter.com/6yhtmert9N— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026 The Prime Minister also held delegation-level talks with his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon, during which he described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic milestone in bilateral ties, thanking Luxon for concluding the pact in a short span.During delegation-level talks in Auckland, PM Modi also hailed the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, saying it had infused new momentum into the relationship and reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to deepening their partnership.Sharing my remarks during meeting with PM Christopher Luxon.@chrisluxonmp https://t.co/khsJEDiDpC— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026 "It gives me great pleasure that an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand after 40 years. By organising an event in your economic capital, you have created an opportunity to infuse new strength into the relationship between India and New Zealand. I am deeply grateful," PM Modi said.The Prime Minister said the warmth shown by the people of New Zealand towards India was deeply moving and described the visit as a defining moment in bilateral ties.VIDEO | Auckland: PM Modi (@narendramodi) holds talks with New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon.(Source: Third Party)(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/xYoe0kmgPQ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2026 "This marks a historic milestone in our relationship, one that revitalises our ties and reaffirms our commitment to friendship. When you visited India, the FTA process began. The way all of New Zealand united to bring the FTA to fruition in such a short time, perhaps a global first for such a swift success, is remarkable. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to your leadership, your government and your team for this achievement," he said.The Prime Minister said the two countries are natural partners due to their shared democratic values and close cooperation as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. Expressing confidence in the future of the partnership, PM Modi said both countries could make a meaningful contribution to global peace, stability and security.PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome From Indian Diaspora During Historic New Zealand Visit Later today, the Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with prominent business and sports personalities. Reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, the Prime Minister will also address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).PM Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday and was greeted by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with whom he shared a warm embrace. This visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Auckland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (local time) was accorded a Guard of Honour during his ceremonial welcome at the Government House in New Zealand's Auckland.Honoured to receive a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. The traditional Māori pōwhiri was a moving reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions.@chrisluxonmp pic.twitter.com/6yhtmert9N— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026 #WATCH | Auckland, New Zealand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a Guard of Honour during a ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland.(Source: DD/ANI) pic.twitter.com/rkeJM2D6vz— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2026 PM Modi will later hold bilateral talks with his Kiwi counterpart, Christopher Luxon. He will also review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship, which has seen significant progress in the last two years, especially in the areas of trade and commerce and defence, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.The Prime Minister will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties that exist between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister will address a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora during the visit, as per MEA.VIDEO | New Zealand: PM Modi (@narendramodi) received a Māori ceremonial welcome after he arrived in Auckland.(Source: Third Party)(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/46mvk2TtOJ— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2026 On Friday, PM Modi called his visit to New Zealand "historic" shortly after arriving in Auckland.In a post on X, PM Modi thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for welcoming him at the airport and highlighted that his visit is the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to the nation in four decades.Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the… pic.twitter.com/qhUfkaFfHF— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026 "Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades," he wrote.Sharing visuals from his welcome, PM Modi expressed optimism towards the scheduled talks with PM Luxon regarding the bilateral partnership between the two nations and the community address in Auckland.'Mr India': PM Modi Dominates Front Pages Of Australian Newspapers Following Landmark Visit "Look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-NZ friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland," PM Modi wrote.Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Auckland on Friday. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders shared a warm embrace.#WATCH | PM of New Zealand Christopher Luxon hugs PM Narendra Modi, as he arrives in Auckland, New Zealand for the final leg of his three-nation visit.(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/r5e379h19H— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2026 PM Modi is visiting New Zealand at the invitation of Luxon. This is the first official visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.After the signing of Free Trade Agreement in April this year, the visit of Prime Minister Modi is expected to work as a catalyst and generate momentum in trade and bilateral relations. Both the PMs earlier held bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025 during the official visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India.As my Australia visit concludes, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Australia as well as to PM Albanese for their warmth. The outcomes of this visit have further strengthened our partnership and opened new avenues for cooperation across diverse…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026 Before arriving in Auckland, PM Modi concluded a highly successful visit to Australia during which he participated in the third Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit along with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.The visit marked a significant milestone in the two nations' six-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.Highlights from a highly outcome-driven Australia visit!@AlboMP pic.twitter.com/MLSFA7IuGy— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026 The meeting, hosted in Melbourne, resulted in a landmark suite of agreements focused on reinforcing the Indo-Pacific's security architecture, securing critical mineral supply chains, and accelerating the transition to clean energy. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

New Zealand's iconic Sky Tower in Auckland was illuminated in the colours of the Indian tricolour as a special gesture ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the country.Standing 328 metres tall, Auckland's Sky Tower has been a prominent feature of the city's skyline for more than 28 years. The tower offers stunning 360° views across Tāmaki Makaurau and remains one of Auckland's most popular attractions.The skyscraper was lit up in tricolour to honour Modi's historic visit, which marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades.A special welcome in Auckland! The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of PM @narendramodi to New Zealand, symbolizing the friendship between our two countries. pic.twitter.com/46cnf1xADu— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 10, 2026Sharing a picture of the illuminated tower, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, “A special welcome in Auckland! The iconic Sky Tower was illuminated to mark the visit of PM @narendramodi to New Zealand, symbolising the friendship between our two countries.”Delighted to witness the wonderful performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble. Music has a unique ability to bring people together and today’s performance beautifully reflected the warmth and depth of India-New Zealand friendship. pic.twitter.com/SbobSkjxGi— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026Modi calls visit historicModi arrived in Auckland on Friday and described his visit as "historic" soon after landing.“This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the complete range of the India-NZ friendship. I will also be addressing a community programme tomorrow in Auckland,” he wrote in a post on X while sharing pictures of his arrival.The love and affection of the New Zealand's Indian community touched me deeply. They have waited four decades for the visit of an Indian Prime Minister and their extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth were visible today. Their bond with India remains unwavering. pic.twitter.com/7wk2vhNAbi— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026During his visit, Modi also interacted with the Indian community in New Zealand and received a welcome featuring cultural performances representing different parts of India.“I compliment our diaspora for keeping India’s cultural heritage vibrant across generations and continents and for strengthening the enduring people-to-people bonds between India and New Zealand,” Modi wrote.Delighted to witness a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage during the community welcome in Auckland this evening. The performances showcased the cultures of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and a stirring rendition of Vande… pic.twitter.com/GlG5h73ObF— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the… pic.twitter.com/qhUfkaFfHF— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026Bilateral engagements on agendaDuring his stay in Auckland, Modi will hold bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and review the full range of bilateral relations between the two countries.Also Watch: PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome From Indian Diaspora During Historic New Zealand VisitApart from political leaders, Modi is also scheduled to meet prominent business and sports personalities during his visit. “Reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, he will address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora during the visit,” the MEA said.The visit comes months after India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in April. Before this, the two leaders held bilateral discussions when Luxon visited India on an official visit in March 2025.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Auckland [New Zealand], July 10: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his historic visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, members of the Indian diaspora welcomed him with resplendent cultural performances, reflecting the close connection with India despite the physical distance between the two partner nations.Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed a vibrant celebration of India's rich cultural heritage during the community welcome in Auckland on Friday evening.Delighted to witness a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage during the community welcome in Auckland this evening. The performances showcased the cultures of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and a stirring rendition of Vande… pic.twitter.com/GlG5h73ObF— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026 In a post on X, the PM underlined how the performances showcased the cultures of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, and a stirring rendition of Vande Mataram.He praised the community and said, "I compliment our diaspora for keeping India's cultural heritage vibrant across generations and continents and for strengthening the enduring people-to-people bonds between India and New Zealand."Delighted to witness the wonderful performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble. Music has a unique ability to bring people together and today’s performance beautifully reflected the warmth and depth of India-New Zealand friendship. pic.twitter.com/SbobSkjxGi— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026 Diaspora celebrates cultural tiesIn another post on X, he lauded the musical performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble and underlined how music has the unique ability to bring people together."Today's performance beautifully reflected the warmth and depth of India-New Zealand friendship," he added.He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian community and underlined how their jubilant enthusiasm was palpable upon his arrival."The love and affection of New Zealand's Indian community touched me deeply. They have waited four decades for the visit of an Indian Prime Minister and their extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth were visible today. Their bond with India remains unwavering," PM Modi said in a post on X.The love and affection of the New Zealand's Indian community touched me deeply. They have waited four decades for the visit of an Indian Prime Minister and their extraordinary enthusiasm and warmth were visible today. Their bond with India remains unwavering. pic.twitter.com/7wk2vhNAbi— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026 New Zealand welcomes Modi visitAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs, as of January 2026, New Zealand comprises 1,43,000 persons of Indian origin, 1,57,000 NRIs, taking the total overseas Indian population to 3,00,000.New Zealand's iconic Sky Tower was lit in the colours of India's national flag as Prime Minister Modi began his historic visit to the country - the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the visuals of the Sky Tower in a post on X and underlined that the gesture symbolised the bonhomie between the two partners.Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.Prior to PM Modi's visit, the Kiwi Prime Minister in a post on X stated that New Zealand businesses are set to boom with the trade deal between the two countries."57% of everything we export to India will be tariff free from day one," he added.Bilateral talks and cooperationIn Auckland, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Luxon and review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship, which has seen significant progress in the last two years, especially in the areas of trade and commerce and defence, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.While in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties that exist between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister will address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora during the visit, MEA further said.After the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in April this year, the visit of Prime Minister Modi is expected to work as a catalyst and generate momentum in trade and bilateral relations.Both the PMs had held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, during the official visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India.PM Modi Becomes First Indian Prime Minister To Visit New Zealand In 40 Years, Receives Warm Welcome From PM Luxon | VideoIndo-Pacific engagements continuePrime Minister Modi's visit to New Zealand comes after successfully concluding visits to Australia and Indonesia - reflecting New Delhi's continued momentum in deepening ties across the Indo-Pacific and seeing the Act East Policy in action.Significantly, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in a post on X reshared the arrival video of PM Modi to New Zealand and said, "Wishing for the friendship and progress of both India and New Zealand" in Korean, English and Hindi.Prime Minister Modi thanked him for the kind wishes and said, "Such thoughtful messages from friends are always cherished."Earlier on Friday, while in Australia, Prime Minister Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground Stadium with his counterpart, Anthony Albanese, and unveiled the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation, aimed at strengthening sporting ties between Australia and India.The high-level engagements delivered substantial geopolitical dividends. PM Modi's visit saw India and Australia announce deeper cooperation in areas including uranium exports, renewable energy, critical minerals and green hydrogen.In what is being viewed as a major strategic milestone within these sectors, Australia and India reached an agreement to allow Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful nuclear energy use.While in Indonesia, civilisational ties complemented present-day cooperation during the Prime Minister's visit to the country. Apart from reviewing the full spectrum of the bilateral ties, India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed some significant agreements, including for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and ASTRA beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, as the two countries reaffirmed their commitment towards a free, open, transparent, rules-based, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)