(RNZ Photo by Marika Khabazi via Pool)
Venkat Raman, March 16, 2025
“Many thanks for your generous hospitality,” was the opening remark by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as he welcomed India’s External Minister Dr Jaishankar Subrahmanyam at the Call-On Lounge in ITC Maurya this evening (March 16, 2025).
“We have had a fantastic time already with our very large delegation. I have to say that this is a country that I know,” Mr Luxon said.
Accompanying Mr Luxon is a 40-member business delegation, complimented by a 20-member community delegation and a media contingent of 17 people.
Video Credit: Jack Nyhof (Sky News, Australia)
Official Talks tomorrow
Stating that it is “a real privilege” to be in India, he said that he was looking forward to official talks to deepen further the relationships between the two countries.
Mr Jaishankar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also looking forward to meeting Mr Luxon tomorrow (March 17).
The meeting is scheduled to be held at midday at Hyderabad House, where the Indian Prime Minister traditionally meets with visiting foreign dignitaries.
Accompanying Officials
Mr Jaishankar was accompanied by External Affairs Secretary East Jaideep Mazumdar, External Affairs Joint Secretary (Oceania) Paramita Tripathi, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Neeta Bhushan and other officials.
The New Zealand side was represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary (Americas and Asia Group) Grahame Morton, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India Patrick Rata, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Matt Yong and other officials.
Mr Luxon recalled Mr Jaishankar’s visit to New Zealand in October 2022.
“It is great to meet you again in India,” he said.
Following a photo opportunity for the media, Mr Luxon continued talks with Mr Jaishankar, accompanied by officials from both sides.
