New Zealand PM's welcome post for PM Modi draws South Korean President's wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to New Zealand received an unexpected diplomatic gesture from South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who extended his good wishes after New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared a video welcoming the Indian leader in Auckland on Friday.

PM Modi instantly acknowledged the message with a note of thanks, saying, "Thank you President Lee Jae-myung for your kind wishes. Such thoughtful messages from friends are always cherished".

Lee’s message came in response to Luxon’s post welcoming PM Modi, who arrived in Auckland on Friday for a two-day state visit, the final leg of his three-nation tour after visits to Indonesia and Australia.

President Lee reacted to Luxon’s social media post, which featured visuals of the New Zealand Prime Minister receiving PM Modi at the airport following the arrival of Air India One.

In his response, Lee wrote, "Wishing for the friendship and progress of both India and New Zealand.. Wishing for the friendship and progress of both India and New Zealand.. Wishing for the friendship and progress of both India and New Zealand," conveying his support for stronger ties between the two countries during the high-profile visit.

Earlier, Luxon had welcomed the Indian Prime Minister with a brief message on X, writing, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister @narendramodi,” alongside a video showing the two leaders greeting each other with a handshake and an embrace.

PM MODI’S NEW ZEALAND VISIT

PM Modi’s arrival marks the first state visit to New Zealand by an Indian Prime Minister in more than four decades. The two-day visit is being held at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon and is aimed at further deepening bilateral ties.

It follows Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025 and comes months after the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which has added fresh momentum to the relationship.

During the two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon will hold comprehensive talks on trade, investment, defence and economic cooperation, while reviewing progress in bilateral ties and identifying new areas of collaboration.

PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with business and sports leaders and address the Indian community.

He has said the three-nation tour advances India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific. The New Zealand visit follows successful engagements in Australia and Indonesia and is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-New Zealand ties and broader regional partnerships.

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