7 hours ago
Last Updated:March 18, 2025, 12:32 IST
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, "India is significant for business, but talent that has come out of India is the most profound. I have huge respect and admiration for India."
India and New Zealand can collaborate on space, says NZ PM Christopher Luxon. (YouTube)
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, speaking at the Firstpost Ideas Pod at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, said that countries should have the freedom to choose their path, as he spoke about his hopes for a bilateral relationship with India.
In conversation with Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation, India, Luxon said, “This week has been about enhancing relations with the Indian government. We have to work even harder to get the people to people connect growing."
About his experience in India, Luxon said, “India is a country I got to know well in my young years. India is significant for business, but talent that has come out of India is the most profound. I have huge respect and admiration for India. India and NZ should be really close friends. I love India. After retiring, I discuss with my wife a six-month tour of India."
“We’re in a world of opportunities. We are blessed. 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty in India. Digital revolution has transformed everything. The world is moving from rules to power. From economics to security. Countries should have freedom to choose their path," he said.
ON INDIA-NZ PARTNERSHIP
“India and NZ can collaborate on space. New Zealand has an AI environment and a good tech world. We can also offer the transition to green energy with wind and solar. Sport has a huge benefit for young people," said Luxon.
“New Zealand is in an isolated environment, but we stand up strongly for sovereignty. We may be a small country but we do participate. We’ve seen military ships coming to our region, particularly Australia. So we want to participate and we have a 15-year defence plan," he said,
About the Indo-Pacific, he said, “We may be a small economy but we have a lot to offer the world. New Zealand is a great bridge between Asia, SE Asia till South America. We contribute in space, renewables, AI."
When asked if it was time for New Zealand to become a centre for ideas and the future, Luxon replied, “It would be brilliant to have a Raisina in NZ. We have a lot to offer."
Location : First Published:March 18, 2025, 12:11 IST
News india India & New Zealand Should Be Really Close Friends: NZ PM Luxon At Raisina Dialogue 2025
