India giving world a new model of development: PM Modi in New Zealand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is setting a new global development model despite worldwide challenges, highlighting rapid economic growth, digital innovation and technological progress. Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, he also emphasised stronger India-New Zealand ties and future trade opportunities

Auckland: India’s pace of development is unprecedented despite global challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, asserting that the country is giving the world a new model of development.

Speaking at an Indian community event titled ‘Kia Ora Modi’ in Auckland, also attended by his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon, Modi said that the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment.

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“Amidst global challenges, the speed at which India is developing is unprecedented. Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy,” Modi said, amid cheers and applause from the audience.

Prime Minister Modi said India is giving the world a new model of development. “Today in India, billions of digital transactions are happening every month through UPI. India is touching new heights in drone technology and the space economy,” he said, amid cheers and chants of ‘Modi Modi’.

Stating that the future of India and New Zealand is intertwined, Modi said the bilateral trade agreement will accelerate India’s journey towards a developed nation.

“It will provide new opportunities to businesses in both India and New Zealand,” said Modi, who arrived in Auckland on Friday on the final leg of his three-nation tour.

Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit New Zealand in 40 years, showed a muffler to the crowd and said he received it as a gift when he visited New Zealand around 25-30 years ago, before entering public life.