Auckland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with a traditional Maori pōwhiri ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland on Saturday, showcasing New Zealand's rich indigenous heritage and cultural customs.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland. He was honoured with a traditional Maori powhiri, reflecting New Zealand's rich indigenous heritage and cultural values," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a post on the social media platform X.

The welcoming ceremony was followed immediately by bilateral discussions between Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon.

Later in the day, the Indian leader is scheduled to meet with prominent figures from the business and sporting communities. Emphasising the deep people-to-people connections between the two nations, Modi is also due to speak before a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, the MEA confirmed.

On Friday, shortly after landing in Auckland, Modi characterised his trip to the Pacific nation as "historic." Writing on X, he expressed his gratitude to Luxon for the reception at the airport and noted that the trip represents the first time an Indian prime minister has visited New Zealand in 40 years.

"Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades," Modi wrote.

Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday following an official invitation from Luxon, with the two leaders sharing a warm embrace upon his arrival at the airport.

The high-profile visit follows the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement in April this year, and is widely expected to accelerate momentum in commerce and broader international relations. The two heads of government previously conducted a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, during Luxon's official trip to India.

With inputs from ANI