New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for his inaugural official visit to India, highlighting the significant economic opportunities the country offers for New Zealanders.
Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, SP Singh Baghel, welcomed Prime Minister Luxon at the airport.

Luxon is scheduled to be the chief guest and keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, which will take place from March 17-19. This prominent event, focused on geopolitics and geo-economics, aims to confront critical global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate the conference on March 17, with the theme for this edition being “Kalachakra – People, Peace and Planet.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared on X, “A warm welcome to PM @chrisluxonmp of New Zealand as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit, received by MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel. PM Luxon will also serve as the chief guest and keynote speaker at the @raisinadialogue 2025.”

This visit marks the first by a New Zealand Prime Minister to India in nine years—John Key was the last to visit. Luxon, who will remain in India until March 20, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

In a post on X, the New Zealand Prime Minister expressed, “I’ve landed in India – a nation that holds immense significance for New Zealand’s prosperity, security, and society. India presents substantial economic prospects for Kiwis, which is why I’m here with a senior delegation of business and community leaders.”

During his trip, Luxon is set for discussions with PM Modi on March 17, covering various elements of India-New Zealand relations. Following their talks, PM Modi will host a lunch in Luxon’s honor, who will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu on the same day.

Additionally, Luxon will attend the opening session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 as chief guest, delivering the keynote address. From March 19-20, he will travel to Mumbai to meet with Indian business leaders and representatives from diverse sectors before returning to Wellington on March 20.

The MEA remarked, “Prime Minister Rt Hon Luxon’s visit underscores the long-standing and resilient ties between India and New Zealand, reaffirming our mutual commitment to strengthen the bilateral relationship across all fields and enhance our close people-to-people connections.”

Earlier in February, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, met with Luxon to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in various domains, reaffirming India’s commitment to elevate their bilateral partnership. Luxon and PM Modi have engaged previously at several global events, including the East Asia Summit in Laos in October 2024, and had a phone conversation in July 2024.

India and New Zealand share a strong historical relationship anchored in strategic interests, trade, education, culture, research, and innovation, overcoming geographical distances to foster a prosperous partnership supported by a vibrant Indian diaspora in New Zealand, which serves as a basis for cultural cooperation.

Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $1.80 billion in 2022, making New Zealand India’s 11th-largest trading partner. Both leaders acknowledged the fruitful visit of President Droupadi Murmu to New Zealand in August 2024. PM Modi welcomed New Zealand’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance and invited Luxon to visit India.

Luxon’s visit is poised to further strengthen the bilateral relationship, paving the way for deeper collaboration across various sectors.