"Strengthening New Zealand's relationship with India is a key priority," NZ PM says

Luxon said that strengthening the India-New Zealand ties was a key priority for them.

"Next week, I'll be travelling to India with a senior business delegation. Strengthening New Zealand's relationship with India is a key priority for my Government," he said.

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Luxon said that he wants to increase trade and business opportunities the two countries and promote New Zealand as an investment destination.

"India is the fifth largest economy in the world and I am focused on increasing trade and business opportunities between our two countries and promoting New Zealand as an investment destination. Trade is a key part of our plan to grow the economy to reduce the cost of living and create more jobs and higher incomes for all New Zealanders," he said.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Luxon will pay an official visit to India from March 16-20, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The statement said that this would be Luxon's first visit to India as the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

"This would be the first visit to India by Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon in his present capacity. He will visit New Delhi and Mumbai before returning to Wellington on 20 March 2025," the statement said.

The statement said that during his visit, Luxon will hold talks with PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

"During his visit, Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon will hold talks with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 17 March 2025 covering various aspects of India-New Zealand relations. Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary. A call on Hon'ble Rashtrapatiji Smt. Droupadi Murmu is scheduled on the same day," the statement said.

Luxon is scheduled to join the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 and deliver the keynote address. He will also interact with Indian business leaders during his visit. (ANI)