President Murmu was greeted by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro with a traditional Maori "Pōwhiri" ceremony
Wellington, August 8, 2024 – President Droupadi Murmu of India was welcomed with open arms by New Zealand's Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro during her state visit to New Zealand, marking a significant moment in the deepening relationship between the two nations. The state banquet hosted in her honour at the Government House in Wellington on Thursday (August 8, 2024) was a culmination of a day filled with ceremonial grandeur, meaningful dialogues, and the reinforcement of shared values.
 
Upon her arrival in Wellington, President Murmu was greeted by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro with a traditional Maori "Pōwhiri" ceremony, a powerful symbol of the deep respect and hospitality inherent in New Zealand’s culture. The ceremony, which includes elements of song, dance, and speechmaking, set the tone for a day that would emphasize the rich cultural exchange and the strengthening of ties between India and New Zealand.
 
The President was accorded a Royal Guard of Honour, reflecting the importance of her visit, and highlighting the respect that New Zealand holds for India as a strategic partner. In their initial meeting, both leaders expressed mutual admiration for the warm and friendly relationship that has developed between India and New Zealand over the years. They underscored the significance of continuing to build on this relationship, particularly in areas that promise mutual benefit, such as trade and economic cooperation.
 
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, the first woman of Maori descent to hold the position, and President Murmu, India’s first woman President from a tribal community, share a unique bond that transcends their official roles. Both leaders have a strong background in education and a shared commitment to uplifting their communities, which became a focal point of their discussions. They acknowledged the progress in the bilateral relationship, particularly in education, trade, and cultural exchanges, and agreed on the need to further enhance collaboration in these areas.
 
In the next engagement, President Murmu addressed the New Zealand International Education Conference, where India was the ‘Country of Honour’ this year. 
 
In her speech, she highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of knowledge and its contemporary advancements in education, including the National Education Policy aimed at transforming the Indian education landscape. She noted that New Zealand’s reputation for high-quality education, particularly in research and innovation, makes it an ideal partner for India. The President encouraged further educational exchanges and collaborations, particularly in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and environmental studies.
 
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also called on President Murmu during her visit. Their discussions spanned a range of issues, from deepening cultural ties to reaffirming their commitment to regional and global security. The talks highlighted the shared vision of both nations to work together to address global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and maintaining international peace and security. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters had also met with President Murmu to discuss ways to further enhance the bilateral relationship.
 
A particularly moving moment in President Murmu’s visit was her tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Wellington Railway Station, where she laid flowers at his statue, honouring the enduring legacy of India’s leader of non-violence. She also paid her respects at the Pukeahu National War Memorial, where she laid a wreath to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro joined her on both these occasions.
 
The day’s events culminated in the state banquet hosted by Governor-General Kiro at Government House. The banquet was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries from both countries. In her remarks, President Murmu reflected on the warm and friendly relationship between India and New Zealand, which she noted is anchored in shared values such as democracy, rule of law, diversity, and inclusiveness.
 
“India and New Zealand have, over the years, developed a warm and friendly relationship anchored by shared values rooted in democracy and rule of law. We both value diversity and inclusiveness, which is evident in the multicultural fabric of our societies,” President Murmu said, expressing her appreciation for the strong people-to-people ties that have played a pivotal role in fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.
 
President Murmu also spoke about the renewed momentum in bilateral relations, fuelled by high-level contacts and increased engagement across various sectors including trade, defence, and agriculture. She highlighted the significance of the bilateral Customs Cooperation Arrangement signed between the two countries, which she believes will facilitate trade and strengthen economic ties. She also welcomed New Zealand’s ratification of the International Solar Alliance, noting that it would pave the way for collaboration in solar energy research and development.
 
In her speech, President Murmu also touched on India’s rapid progress in various fields, from space exploration to digital financial inclusion, and expressed her optimism about future collaborations between India and New Zealand. She emphasized the potential for deepening engagement in areas such as artificial intelligence, green technologies, agricultural technology, and commercial space exploration.
 
President Murmu extended her heartfelt gratitude to Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro for the warm hospitality extended to her and her delegation. She noted the special connection between them, stemming from their shared heritage and commitment to education, and expressed confidence that their discussions would give additional momentum to the expanding partnership between India and New Zealand.
 
The state banquet marked the successful conclusion of President Murmu’s official engagements in Wellington. As she departed for Auckland, where she is scheduled to address the Indian community, the warmth and friendship that marked her visit to New Zealand were evident, signalling a promising future for the relationship between the two nations.
 
The visit of President Murmu to New Zealand has not only reaffirmed the strong ties between India and New Zealand but also opened new avenues for cooperation that promise to bring the two countries even closer in the years to come. As both nations continue to build on their shared values and mutual respect, the partnership between India and New Zealand is set to reach new heights, benefiting not just the people of the two countries, but also contributing to global peace and prosperity.