By Admin 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering at the gala lunch organized during his visit to New Zealand. Starting his speech, he thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for his warm welcome and wonderful hospitality. He said that Prime Minister Luxon has given so much affection and affection that even the cold of Auckland is being felt less. The love and respect I received from the people of New Zealand during this trip will always be remembered.
Prime Minister Modi said that after Prime Minister Laxman’s visit to India last year, there has been new energy in the relations between the two countries. Due to his leadership, clear thinking and strong commitment, the friendship between India and New Zealand has got new momentum and new direction. He said that after almost 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting New Zealand and this is the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.
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India-New Zealand believe in democratic values- Modi
He said that both India and New Zealand believe in democratic values and this brings the two countries closer to each other. In the last few years, relations between the two countries have strengthened rapidly. In today’s meeting, both the countries discussed in detail how to deepen and broaden cooperation. Prime Minister Modi said that India and New Zealand have taken a historic decision to take their relations to the level of strategic partnership. Under this, both the countries will move forward in every field with clear goals and concrete results.
What did Modi say on free trade agreement?
Prime Minister Modi said that this year both the countries have signed a free trade agreement in record time. This will open new opportunities for industries, farmers and youth of both the countries. He said that India and New Zealand are working together not only in trade but also in the fields of trust, technology and talent. Trade between the two countries has increased by more than 50 percent in the last three years and it is expected that the Free Trade Agreement will form a strong basis for doubling trade in the next five years. He also welcomed New Zealand’s commitment to invest $20 billion in India. Prime Minister Modi said that this will give New Zealand companies an opportunity to become long-term partners in India’s development journey.
PM Modi about agriculture, dairy and food processing
Prime Minister Modi said that both the countries are converting their strengths into practical cooperation. In the field of Fintech, work is being done to connect India’s UPI and New Zealand’s payment system. This will benefit the people and businesses of both the countries. He said that both the countries have also prepared a strong plan for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, dairy and food processing. Farmers and cattle herders will get direct benefits from this. Referring to the medical field, Prime Minister Modi said that both India and New Zealand have rich traditions in this field. Both countries have agreed to increase the role of traditional medicine in health cooperation.
PM Modi on defense and security cooperation
Talking about defense and security cooperation, Prime Minister Modi said that the growing cooperation between the two countries is a symbol of their strong strategic trust. The defense cooperation agreement signed last year has given a strong foundation to the relations between the two countries. Today both the countries have agreed on a new framework for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral naval exercises, logistics cooperation and cooperation in the field of hydrography will further strengthen the coordination between the two countries.
PM Modi’s opinion about Indian community
Prime Minister Modi said that the biggest strength of the relations between the two countries is the people-to-people ties. The Indian community has created a special identity in New Zealand with its hard work and talent. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Luxon, the New Zealand government and the people there for the care and support of the Indian community. He said that the cultural cooperation agreement signed today will give a new impetus to the exchange between the two countries in the field of art, culture, heritage and creative industries. He said that New Zealand has been an important education hub for Indian students and India invites New Zealand universities to open their campuses in India.
Mention of sports relations between India and New Zealand
Prime Minister Modi said that this year the 100th anniversary of sports relations between India and New Zealand is being celebrated. Hundred years ago, the Indian hockey team under the leadership of Major Dhyan Chand created history by touring New Zealand. This still inspires the sports relations between the two countries. On this occasion, many sports competitions are being organized in both the countries. Apart from cricket, Sports Joint Action Plan has been prepared to increase cooperation in other sports also. Recently, it has made a good start through the coaching program of New Zealand Rugby and Rugby India in Bhubaneswar.
PM’s views against terrorism
Talking on global issues, Prime Minister Modi said that India and New Zealand are trusted partners and close friends on the world stage. Both countries believe that there is a need for reform in many global institutions including the United Nations so that the challenges of the present time can be faced in a better way. To strengthen cooperation against terrorism, both the countries have decided to form a joint working group. Prime Minister Modi said that cooperation between India and New Zealand is very important for peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi wishes Maori New Year Matariki
At the end of his address, Prime Minister Modi wished the people of New Zealand a happy Maori New Year Matariki. He said that the constellation which is called Matariki in New Zealand has been known as Krittika Nakshatra in India since ancient times. He expressed confidence that this festival of Matariki will make the relations between the two countries shine like stars. After Prime Minister Modi’s speech, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked him. He said that he is grateful for Prime Minister Modi’s friendship, commitment and cooperation. He said that just as teamwork and trust are essential in rugby, India and New Zealand will also move forward with mutual trust. He said that both the countries are part of the same team and hence they will face challenges together.
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