The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, is arriving in New Zealand today, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. President Murmu will participate in a series of gatherings in Wellington and Auckland, aimed at fostering closer ties and collaboration.
During the final leg of her New Zealand visit, she will address a community event in Auckland before departing for Timor-Leste. Murmu's visit to New Zealand is part of a three-nation tour that also includes Fiji and Timor-Leste.
Many among the Kiwi-Indian community in Auckland are excited to see the President and they have been seeking information on how to attend the community reception planned for August 9.
Attendance at this high-security event is invite-only for dignitaries and guests. The invitations, managed and vetted by the High Commission of India in New Zealand, ensure strict security protocols are followed. Any invitations not issued by the high commission should be considered fraudulent, say officials.
While students and the general public cannot attend the event in person, they can stay informed with regular updates via The Indian Weekender and the High Commission of India in New Zealand’s social media handles.
President Murmu's visit to New Zealand follows the successful completion of her first leg of the trip under India’s ‘Act East Policy,’ where she visited Fiji from August 5-6. In Fiji, she addressed the Fijian Parliament and held meetings with President Wiliame Katonivere and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
During her visit, Fijian President Katonivere conferred upon her the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian award, in recognition of the strong India-Fiji friendship.
Before departing for New Zealand, President Murmu paid floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School in Suva and interacted with the students.
Earlier in the day, she addressed the Indian community in Fiji during an event and hailed the long-standing relationship between India and Fiji while terming the role of the Indian diaspora in the island nation as a "source of inspiration" for the
President Murmu’s visit to New Zealand is expected to amplify the efforts of Prime Minister Chris Luxon, who has been actively engaging with India since assuming office.
A prominent Wellington-based foreign relations analyst noted that the National-led government has shown “real ambition” in strengthening ties with the South Asian giant.
High-level bilateral visits later this year are anticipated to further define the renewed relationship, with a recent survey highlighting that New Zealanders perceive India as an important partner, according to Suzanna Jessep of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.
Murmu’s visit also takes place against a backdrop of intense diplomatic engagement between New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.