Narendra Modi declares India a new development model in Auckland address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an audience of the Indian diaspora in Auckland that, despite global challenges, India’s development pace is “unprecedented” and that the country is offering the world a new model of development. He highlighted India’s status as the fastest‑growing major economy, the billions of monthly digital transactions via the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and advances in drone technology and the space economy.

Modi’s remarks were made at the “Kia Ora Modi” program attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He said the strengthening relationship and a forthcoming trade agreement will create new opportunities for businesses in both nations. The visit marked the first Indian prime ministerial trip to New Zealand in four decades, and Modi presented a nostalgic muffler he received during an earlier visit.

The speech underscored India’s ambition to showcase its economic growth model internationally while deepening bilateral ties with New Zealand.