Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, met New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) event on Friday. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring cooperation across various sectors.

Sharing details of the interaction on X, Margherita stated, “Honoured to call on Rt Hon @chrisluxonmp, New Zealand PM, on the sidelines of INZBC event. Explored ways to take forward the India-New Zealand partnership in strengthening our bilateral ties across various sectors.”

Earlier in the day, Margherita addressed the INZBC Summit 2025 in Auckland alongside Prime Minister Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The summit was held under the theme “Boardroom to Border Leadership Dialogue,” and included discussions on strategic, economic, and trade opportunities between the two countries.

On Thursday, Margherita held a meeting with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay, where the two sides discussed steps to enhance the trade partnership.

Margherita arrived in Auckland on Thursday for a two-day official visit. In a post on X, he said he looked forward to his engagements with senior New Zealand officials, participation in the INZBC event, and interactions with the Indian business and community representatives.

Following his visit to New Zealand, Margherita will travel to Fiji to attend the Girmit Day ceremony as the Guest of Honour. He is also scheduled to meet political leaders in Fiji.

According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to further deepen India’s bilateral ties with New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.