New Delhi, India – New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, March 16, marking the start of a significant five-day visit to India aimed at bolstering bilateral ties. The visit, which includes a high-profile appearance at the 10th Raisina Dialogue, underscores the growing partnership between India and New Zealand in areas such as trade, security, and cultural exchange.
Luxon was warmly received at the Delhi airport by India’s Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel. Accompanying the Prime Minister is one of the largest delegations ever led by a New Zealand PM, comprising ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
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A key highlight of the visit is Luxon’s participation in the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held from March 17 to 19 in New Delhi. As the chief guest, Luxon will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session today, alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will jointly inaugurate the event. The theme for this year’s dialogue, “Kalachakra – People, Peace and Planet,” reflects a focus on global cooperation and sustainability.
On Monday, Luxon is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, covering critical aspects of India-New Zealand relations, including the launch of negotiations for a “comprehensive and mutually beneficial” Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration, with Luxon emphasizing his intent to deepen trade ties significantly. Following the talks, Modi will host a lunch in honor of the visiting dignitary, and Luxon will also call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Later in the week, Luxon will travel to Mumbai from March 19 to 20, where he will engage with Indian business leaders and explore opportunities to strengthen economic partnerships. His visit to Mumbai will conclude his trip before he departs for Wellington on March 20.
Luxon’s maiden visit to India as Prime Minister comes at a time of heightened geopolitical interest, with both nations keen to expand their collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Ahead of the trip, Luxon described India as an “important power” and expressed his determination to elevate the bilateral relationship “big time,” particularly in trade and security domains.
The Raisina Dialogue, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, will see participation from representatives of over 125 countries, including foreign ministers, industry leaders, and strategic experts, making Luxon’s presence a focal point of this global gathering.
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