Synopsis
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon is on a significant five-day visit to India, beginning March 16, 2023, to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors including trade and cultural exchanges.Key Takeaways
- Luxon's first official visit to India.
- Focus on enhancing trade and defence cooperation.
- Participation in the 10th Raisina Dialogue.
- Meetings with key Indian leaders.
- Engagement with business leaders in Mumbai.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to arrive in India on Sunday, marking his inaugural official visit since taking office.
The five-day trip, scheduled to conclude on March 20, has been arranged at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Luxon’s visit is geared towards fortifying the long-standing connections between India and New Zealand, reaffirming the two nations' mutual dedication to enhancing their bilateral relationships across various sectors.
Accompanying Prime Minister Luxon will be a high-ranking delegation, which includes senior officials, ministers, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora residing in New Zealand.
His agenda in India is packed with significant diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening the ties between both nations.
According to the schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Luxon is expected to meet with External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, later on the same day of his arrival.
On March 17, he will visit Rajghat to pay homage at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
The two leaders are anticipated to engage in discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics, including trade, defence collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges. PM Modi will also host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary.
Luxon is set to participate as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on March 17, where he will present the Keynote Address.
This event will provide an essential platform for Luxon to contribute to discussions on regional and global security challenges, while also bolstering ties between India and the Indo-Pacific region.
On March 19-20, the Prime Minister of New Zealand will travel to Mumbai, where he will engage with Indian business leaders and representatives from various industries, promoting further economic collaboration between the two nations.
The MEA highlighted that Luxon’s visit highlights the lasting and multifaceted relationship between India and New Zealand. The visit reaffirms the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
"Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon's visit underscores the long-established and enduring ties between India and New Zealand. It reaffirms both nations' ongoing commitment to further enhance the bilateral relationship across all spheres and deepen our close people-to-people connections," stated the MEA.
