Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday drew on the Maori concept of ‘waka’ to underscore the deepening relationship between India and New Zealand as the countries elevated their diplomatic ties. The Prime Minister also said there was an “open ocean full of opportunities” for the two nations as India seeks to bolster its ties in the hotly contested Asia-Pacific region.
Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, PM Modi said the term ‘waka’ perfectly captured the spirit of the India-New Zealand relationship. More than 12,000 Indians thronged Auckland’s Spark Arena, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
PM INVOKES MAORI CONCEPT OF ‘WAKA’
“For centuries, one word has brought people together here… waka. A waka is not merely the name of a canoe; it is a symbol of our shared journey,” Modi, who became the first prime minister to visit New Zealand in 40 years, said.
“Today, this ‘waka’ of India and New Zealand is ready to embark on a new voyage. Before us lies an open ocean full of opportunities,” he further said.
The Maoris are the indigenous people of New Zealand. Waka means a canoe or vessel. However, in Maori culture, the meaning of waka goes far beyond that of a boat. It symbolises a shared journey, unity and cooperation.
Thus, by invoking the Maori concept of waka, PM Modi wanted to suggest that India and New Zealand were entering a new phase of cooperation.
‘WHERE CRICKET TEAM CAN HAVE RACHIN RAVINDRA…’
Highlighting the Indian imprint on New Zealand, PM Modi pointed out how several places in the country bear names linked to India.
“New Zealand is a place where even its roads pay tribute to Indian cities and places. There is Khandallah, Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent and Amritsar Street,” he said.
The Prime Minister also flagged the robust Indian diaspora in New Zealand, noting how several Indians now occupy key positions in the country. The fact that several Indian-origin cricketers represent New Zealand was not lost on PM Modi.
“New Zealand is the place where Nikhil Ravishankar can become the CEO of Air New Zealand. Where Anand Satyanand can become the Governor-General. Where the cricket team can have Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, and Ajaz Patel; such talents can get opportunities,” he said.
INDIA, NEW ZEALAND ELEVATE TIES
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and his counterpart Christopher Luxon elevated India-New Zealand relations to a “strategic partnership” and signed 10 key agreements.
The countries also pledged to double trade to Rs 35,000 crore by 2030, following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) this year.
The key among them was on defence, where the countries pledged greater collaboration on maritime safety and agreed to a framework to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. A reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force was also signed.
The countries also agreed to set up a joint working group on counter-terrorism, disaster management, dairy farming, and tourism.
This was the second meeting between PM Modi and Luxon in over a year. Luxon visited India in March 2025, following which the countries started FTA negotiations.
– Ends
Published By:
Abhishek De
Published On:
Jul 11, 2026 15:25 IST
