'I bring greetings of 140 crore Indians:PM Modi tells diaspora in NZ

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the Indian diaspora in Auckland, describing his visit to New Zealand as historic and conveying the greetings of 140 crore Indians during the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.Addressing a packed community gathering, Modi said the occasion marked a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations."Today, after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has arrived in New Zealand. This is my great fortune that I have brought to you the best wishes of 140 crore Indians," he said.

#WATCH | New Zealand: At the community event in Auckland, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Today, after 40 years, an Indian PM has arrived in New Zealand. This is my great fortune, that I have brought to you the best wishes of 140 crore Indians."

(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/XJSm6hUItr

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2026

The Prime Minister hailed the Indian community for strengthening ties between the two countries and said India's relationship with New Zealand is built on shared values, friendship and mutual trust."India-New Zealand relations have memory, friendship, values and a commitment," he said, adding that India judges nations not by the size of their population but by their commitment to the welfare of their people.
PM Modi also shared a personal anecdote from his first visit to New Zealand nearly three decades ago, when he was not in public office."This might be my first visit as the Prime Minister but 25-30 years ago, when I was not a part of any government and nobody knew me in public life, I received an opportunity to come to New Zealand. At that time, someone gifted me three things—a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves," he said.Holding up the muffler during his address, Modi said he had preserved it over the years as a symbol of the affection he received from the people of New Zealand."The muffler you see was gifted to me by a New Zealander 25-30 years back. I have used it several times over the years and I take care of it even today, just like I take care of your love for me," he said.
Highlighting India's transformation, the Prime Minister said the country has emerged as the world's fastest-growing major economy and the largest vaccine producer, while also creating new opportunities through its vision of women-led development."India is opening new avenues for women's growth with the mantra of women-led development," he said.PM Modi also underlined the potential for greater cooperation between India and New Zealand in sports, saying both countries could achieve remarkable results by working together.Highlighting the long-standing sporting ties between the two countries, Modi said, "This year marks the completion of 100 years of sporting relations between India and New Zealand. A hundred years ago, our hockey team came to New Zealand to play, and Major Dhyan Chand's magnificent performance during that tour was the talk of the town. His hockey skills won the hearts of the people of New Zealand as well. This is the era of collaboration. New Zealand and India can achieve great things through collaboration in sports as well."

#WATCH | New Zealand: At the community event in Auckland, PM Narendra Modi says, "This year marks the completion of 100 years of sporting relations between India and New Zealand...A hundred years ago, our hockey team came to New Zealand to play, and Major Dhyan Chand's… pic.twitter.com/IdUR4JmUCP

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2026

Referring to the deep cultural connect between the two nations, the Prime Minister noted that several streets in New Zealand bear the names of Indian cities."In New Zealand, Indian cities have been honoured in the naming of its streets. From Khandala to Amritsar Street, there are many such examples," he said, calling them symbols of the enduring people-to-people ties between the two countries.