New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the 21st century will be shaped by India during a community event in Auckland [1].
The statement signals a strategic pivot toward strengthening bilateral ties and economic cooperation as India emerges as a global powerhouse. By highlighting India's rapid transformation, Luxon said New Zealand intends to support and participate in India's future growth [2].
Speaking to the Indian diaspora, Luxon praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's technological progress [1]. He said India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy [3].
Luxon cited specific developmental milestones to illustrate this trajectory. He said India has lifted 250 million people out of poverty [3]. He also pointed to the scale of the country's infrastructure expansion, noting that India has built nearly 95,000 km of highways [3].
The prime minister linked these achievements to the broader goal of fostering a deeper partnership between the two nations. He said the new India-New Zealand trade agreement is a tool to facilitate this cooperation [2].
Luxon described India's current path as one of significant transformation. He said New Zealand wants to help build that future as India continues its ascent in the global economic order [2].
“The 21st century will be shaped by India.”
Luxon's remarks reflect a calculated diplomatic effort to align New Zealand with India's economic trajectory. By acknowledging India's projected status as the third-largest economy and emphasizing the new trade agreement, New Zealand is positioning itself to diversify its trade partnerships and leverage the influence of the global Indian diaspora.
