Officials, Business and Community Leaders, Maori Performers and the Media
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 12, 2025
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s upcoming visit to India is a significant event, marked by the inclusion of two key delegations: the Business Delegation and the Community Delegation.
This visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance economic collaboration, and deepen political and security relationships between New Zealand and India.
Business Delegation
The Business Delegation accompanying Prime Minister Luxon is composed of 40 influential leaders from various sectors, including aviation, banking, agribusiness, education, and technology.
This diverse group represents the backbone of New Zealand’s economic landscape, bringing together expertise and innovation to foster stronger trade relations with India.
Aviation: Leaders from New Zealand’s aviation industry are part of the delegation, aiming to explore opportunities for collaboration in air travel and aerospace technology. This sector’s inclusion highlights the potential for increased connectivity and technological exchange between the two nations.
Banking: Representatives from major New Zealand banks are also included, focusing on financial cooperation and investment opportunities. Strengthening financial ties can lead to more robust economic growth and stability for both countries.
Agribusiness: Given New Zealand’s strong agricultural sector, agribusiness leaders are crucial members of the delegation. They aim to share expertise in sustainable farming practices and explore new markets for New Zealand’s agricultural products in India.
Education: The delegation includes leaders from New Zealand’s education sector, emphasising the importance of educational exchange programs and partnerships. This can lead to increased student mobility and collaborative research initiatives.
Technology: Tech industry leaders are part of the delegation, aiming to foster innovation and technological advancements through partnerships with Indian tech companies. This collaboration can drive growth in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Who is Who-India Mission – Business Delegation Condensed
The Community Delegation
The Community Delegation comprises former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, prominent Kiwi Indians, representatives from various New Zealand communities and Members of Parliament. This delegation underscores the importance of people-to-people connections and cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations. Representatives from various New Zealand communities are included to showcase the country’s diversity and commitment to inclusive growth. This delegation aims to build bridges between communities and promote cultural exchange.
Objectives of the Visit
Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to India holds immense importance for several reasons:
Economic Collaboration: The visit aims to enhance economic collaboration between New Zealand and India, focusing on trade, investment, and technological exchange. Strengthening economic ties can lead to increased trade volumes, job creation, and economic growth for both countries.
Political and Security Ties: The visit provides an opportunity to deepen political and security ties between the two nations. Discussions on regional security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation can lead to a more stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.
Cultural Exchange: The inclusion of the Community Delegation highlights the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people connections. Strengthening these ties can lead to greater mutual understanding and cooperation in various fields.
Geopolitical Significance: The visit comes at a time of changing geopolitics, with New Zealand seeking to expand its global partnerships amid rising concerns over China’s influence in the Pacific region. Strengthening ties with India, a major global player, can help New Zealand navigate these geopolitical challenges.
