Addressing the Indian community in Auckland during his visit to New Zealand, Modi said India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and has established itself as a leading force in manufacturing, technology, renewable energy and digital innovation.
"Today India is the world's fastest-growing major economy. India is the world's largest vaccine producer. India is among the leading nations in the world in terms of mobile data consumption. India is the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer and telecom market," the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting India's agricultural and food production capabilities, Modi said the country is the world's second-largest producer of wheat and fish, while continuing to remain the largest producer of milk.
He further stated that India has become the world's third-largest automobile market and the third-largest startup ecosystem. He added that the country is moving towards becoming the world's third-largest renewable energy producer, with its expanding solar energy capacity reflecting its leadership in clean energy.
"The India of today is also offering new models of development to the world. Dozens of countries around the world are showing interest in India's digital public infrastructure sector today," Modi said.
Invoking the Māori cultural concept of "Waka", which represents a shared journey, Prime Minister Modi said India and New Zealand are ready to begin a new phase in their bilateral relationship.
"A beautiful expression from New Zealand's culture captures the essence of this relationship -- Waka. For centuries, this word has symbolised bringing people together," he said.
Explaining the significance of the term, Modi added, "A Waka is not merely a boat. It is a symbol of a shared journey. Today, the India-New Zealand Waka is ready to embark on a new voyage together."
The Prime Minister described India-New Zealand relations as a partnership built on shared values, enduring friendship and decades of mutual trust. Addressing the gathering, he said the relationship is based on cherished memories, lasting friendship, common values and a shared commitment towards the future.
Modi said India believes in learning from every nation, regardless of its size. "For us, it is not the size of a country's population that matters, but its commitment to the welfare of its people," he said.
During his address, Modi also praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora across New Zealand, describing the community as an important part of the shared journey between the two countries.
"From Auckland to Wellington, from Christchurch to Queenstown, the Indian community spread across every corner of New Zealand is a vital part of this shared journey. I would like to acknowledge my friend Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, all the colleagues from the New Zealand government, and the members of the Labour Party present here. This demonstrates the immense bipartisan support that exists for India-New Zealand relations. It also highlights the magnitude of the achievements and contributions of the Kiwi-Indian community," Modi said.
The Prime Minister praised New Zealand's multicultural society, saying it has enabled professionals and sportspersons of Indian origin to achieve success at the highest levels.
He cited Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar, former Governor-General Anand Satyanand and international cricketers Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel as examples of the achievements of the Indian community in New Zealand.
Modi also highlighted the historical and cultural connections between the two nations, noting that several locations in New Zealand carry Indian names, including Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent, Amritsar Street and Khandala.
The Prime Minister's address underscored India's growing global influence and the strengthening of India-New Zealand relations, with both nations moving towards a new phase of cooperation based on shared values, cultural connections and mutual aspirations.
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