Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged New Zealand’s space sector for its contribution to the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland during his official visit, Modi said the collaboration reflected the immense potential of the India–New Zealand partnership in advanced technologies and space exploration.
Recalling the historic lunar landing in August 2023, the Prime Minister noted that the Kiwi-Indian community had celebrated the achievement with great enthusiasm. He emphasised that New Zealand’s space ecosystem played a meaningful role in supporting India’s landmark mission to the Moon’s south pole.
Modi also called for deeper collaboration between the two nations in emerging sectors such as space, technology, innovation, trade and education, saying their shared strengths can unlock new opportunities for growth. His remarks come during the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, signalling a renewed push to strengthen bilateral ties.
