Indian President Murmu to Visit New Zealand, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

President Murmu’s visit will spotlight the robust people-to-people and cultural connections between the two nations.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that President Droupadi Murmu of India will undertake a State visit to New Zealand next week, marking the second visit by an Indian President since Shri Pranab Mukherjee's visit in 2016.

“This visit underscores the long-standing and dynamic relationship between New Zealand and India. My Government is dedicated to enhancing and expanding our ties,” Mr. Luxon said. The visit comes amid increased diplomatic engagement, with recent meetings between New Zealand and Indian officials, including a conversation Mr. Luxon had with Prime Minister Modi and visits by New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade to India.

President Murmu’s visit will spotlight the robust people-to-people and cultural connections between the two nations. New Zealand is home to approximately 300,000 individuals of Indian origin, who play a significant role in various sectors of society. Hindi is the fifth most spoken language in the country, and Indian students constitute the second-largest group of international students in New Zealand.

“President Murmu is a highly esteemed leader, being the second female and the first tribal member to hold the Indian presidency. Her visit offers a valuable opportunity to reaffirm New Zealand's position as a trusted partner both bilaterally and regionally,” Mr. Luxon noted.

During her visit from August 7-9, President Murmu and her delegation will participate in several events in Auckland and Wellington, including an official welcome at Government House, discussions with the Governor-General, Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a State dinner hosted by the Governor-General.