Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 7, 2024
India’s President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Auckland about an hour ago to begin a three-day State Visit at the invitation of Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
She was received at the Auckland International Airport by Trade, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Todd McClay and India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan.
Mr McClay said he was honoured to receive the Indian President on behalf of his government.
“This visit is one of many recent government engagements to deepen our relationship and boost our strong people-to-people cultural links,” he said.
Ms Murmu will leave for Wellington tomorrow morning to fulfil several engagements including a formal welcome and inspection of a Guard of Honour at the Government House, bilateral discussions with Dame Cindy, meetings with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, addressing the New Zealand International Education Conference, a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi Statue, a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial and a State Banquet at the Government House.
Ms Murmu will address the Indian community at the Viaduct Event Centre in Auckland on Friday evening, admission to which is strictly by invitation. The meeting has been organised by the Wellington-based Indian High Commission.
