Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Tuesday in New Delhi. The Congress party shared the update on X, stating, "LoP Rahul Gandhi met with the Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, in New Delhi."

Earlier in the day, Luxon also met with President Droupadi Murmu and expressed his appreciation for their ongoing diplomatic relationship. Posting on X, he wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu is a great friend of New Zealand. Having met in Wellington last year, I'm glad to meet on her home turf in New Delhi."

During his visit, Luxon acknowledged India's growing economic influence, noting the country’s crucial role as a supplier of pharmaceuticals and machinery to New Zealand. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2025, he highlighted how trade between India and New Zealand has evolved beyond traditional wood exports. "Our trade has diversified considerably from wood, thanks to the increased sophistication of your economy," Luxon said in his address. "Today, India is a critical source of pharmaceuticals and machinery for us. At the same time, we remain a top destination for Indian tourists and students."

Following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning, Luxon spoke about the future of India-New Zealand relations. "Prime Minister Modi and I sat down today, and we charted out the future of our two countries' relationship. We agreed that our defence forces should build greater strategic trust by training and deploying together more frequently," he said.

The discussions also focused on fostering scientific collaboration in key areas such as climate change and space exploration. Additionally, the leaders emphasized improving air connectivity and strengthening cooperation in the primary sector to support businesses on both sides. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed Luxon to the Raisina Dialogue 2025, praising his deep understanding of India and commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. He also acknowledged Luxon’s valuable insights on the Indo-Pacific region at a time when global dynamics are shifting.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X@INCIndia.