During the state Visit to New Zealand, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the potential for deeper engagement and new avenues of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in artificial intelligence, green technologies, agricultural technology, and space exploration
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, arrived in Wellington, New Zealand on 8th August, marking the second leg of her State Visit to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste. Sharing details of the State Visit:
Reception and Meetings:
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro welcomed President Murmu at Government House. The President was honored with a traditional Māori *Pōwhiri* ceremony and a Royal Guard of Honour. Both leaders praised the strong and friendly relations between India and New Zealand, and discussed expanding cooperation across various sectors. They emphasized the need to enhance the India-New Zealand economic relationship through mutually beneficial collaborations and partnerships, particularly in trade and business.
New Zealand International Education Conference:
President Murmu addressed the New Zealand International Education Conference, where India is the ‘Country of Honour’ this year. She spoke about India’s rich tradition in the pursuit of knowledge and contemporary advancements in education, including the National Education Policy, which aims to transform the Indian education system by promoting multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and global competitiveness.
Acknowledging New Zealand's reputation for high-quality education, with a focus on research, innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, President Murmu highlighted the increasing number of Indian students accessing education in New Zealand. She called for enhanced educational exchanges and collaborations, especially in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, vocational training, climate studies, cultural exchanges, and research.
Meetings with New Zealand Leaders:
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with President Murmu, and they discussed a range of topics from strengthening cultural ties to ensuring regional and global security. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters also engaged with President Murmu, recognizing the progress in bilateral relations and exploring ways to further cooperation.
Tributes and Banquet:
President Murmu paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Wellington Railway Station and laid a wreath at the Pukeahu National War Memorial in Wellington. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro joined her for these ceremonies.
The President concluded her official engagements in Wellington with a banquet hosted in her honor by Governor-General Kiro. In her remarks, President Murmu reflected on the warm and friendly relationship between India and New Zealand, underscored by shared values of democracy and rule of law. She highlighted the potential for deeper engagement and new avenues of cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence, green technologies, agricultural technology, and space exploration. She also noted the collaborative efforts of India and New Zealand in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and international peace and security.
The visit was marked by a deep connection between the two leaders, both pioneers in their respective roles: Governor-General Kiro, the first Māori woman to hold the position, and President Murmu, the first tribal woman to serve as India's President. Their shared commitment to education further strengthened their bond.
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