'The 21st century will be shaped by India': New Zealand PM hails PM Modi, India's rise

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "one of the most important leaders of our time" and credited his leadership with transforming India, as the two leaders addressed a community event attended by members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland.

Luxon praised India's economic and social progress over the past decade, saying the country had lifted millions out of poverty, expanded its infrastructure at an unprecedented pace and emerged as a major global power.

He also highlighted the growing partnership between India and New Zealand, describing PM Modi as "a true friend to New Zealand".

Addressing the gathering, Luxon said the Indian community had played a vital role in strengthening ties between the two countries and called the friendship between India and New Zealand "truly extraordinary".

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'One of the most important leaders of our time'

Praising PM Modi's personal and political journey, Luxon said the Indian Prime Minister had risen from humble beginnings to lead the world's largest democracy.

"He has helped lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He is one of the most important leaders of our time and a true friend to New Zealand," Luxon said.

He added that the Indian diaspora had made a significant contribution to New Zealand's growth and had helped deepen the relationship between the two nations.

Highlighting India's transformation

Luxon pointed to India's rapid economic and infrastructure development over the last decade, saying the country's progress had reshaped its global standing.

He said around 250 million Indians had been lifted out of poverty in the past 10 years, while nearly 95,000 kilometres of new highways had been built across the country.

Drawing a comparison with New Zealand, he remarked that the newly built highways were enough to drive between New Zealand and India and back eight times.

Luxon also highlighted India's achievements in space exploration, including its successful mission to the Moon's south pole, and said the country was on track to become the world's third-largest economy.

"The 21st century will be shaped by India, and New Zealand wants to help build that future with you," he said.

Personal reflections on India

Recalling his first visit to India as a young executive with Hindustan Unilever, years before entering politics, Luxon said he had witnessed first-hand how much the country had changed.

He remembered seeing workers being paid in coins at the end of each working day during his early visits.

"Look at India today," he said, adding that every subsequent visit had left him impressed by the country's energy, innovation and dynamism.

Luxon said India now has one of the world's largest middle classes, with around 445 million people, and described the expansion of economic opportunities under PM Modi's leadership as "one of the greatest advances in human dignity the world has ever seen."

Free Trade Agreement marks a new chapter

Highlighting recent bilateral achievements, Luxon referred to the signing of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, saying it would open opportunities for businesses in both countries.

He said the agreement would provide Kiwi exporters access to India's market of 1.4 billion people while creating new opportunities for Indian companies in New Zealand.

"India is not just a country we trade with; it is a country that we grow with. It is a country we trust," Luxon said.

Noting that many had believed such an agreement would not be possible, he said both governments had concluded the deal in record time.

Luxon ended his address by congratulating the Kiwi-Indian community for its contribution to New Zealand and expressing confidence that the India-New Zealand partnership would continue to grow in the years ahead.