WELLINGTON: Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, has invited Narendra Modi, the prime minister of India, to visit her nation.

In the presence of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, she extended this invitation while taking part in the "Vishwa Sadbhavana" event, which was a part of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame awards and jointly organised by the NID Foundation and the Indian Weekender in Auckland. Two books that depict Prime Minister Modi's distinctive and enormously successful governance were also unveiled at this event.

In her speech as the chief guest, Ardern noted the many similarities between New Zealand and India as well as the strengthening friendship between the two nations and the enormous potential for future progress.

"India and New Zealand share many similarities in a world that are getting more unstable. Both countries value their democratic histories and are concerned about the Indo-Pacific region remaining stable and wealthy.
"We both care about the environment and are passionate about honouring many cultures and customs. Engagements like this one not only strengthen our bond but also advance our goals, she said.

"As New Zealand and India commemorate their formal establishment of diplomatic relations, I am pleased to report that our relations have become stronger than ever. Despite the problems facing the world, trade between the two nations remained, and I believe there is tremendous room for growth in the years to come," she added.

Jaishankar praised PM Modi's accomplishments as a leader of the government at the state and federal levels during his speech at the "Modi@20: Dreams Meet Delivery" book launch at the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards 202.

"Prime Minister Modi has inspired people for 20 years and will do so for many more. The enthusiasm in the room today confirmed the widespread acceptance of this faith, Jaishankar  said.

"A handful of us were contacted about a very interesting initiative sometime last year. 20 years of uninterrupted service as head of state were being completed by Prime Minister Modi. This involved combining his ten years at the state and federal levels. In democratic politics as well. This is not a little accomplishment, he continued, "since it takes repeated commands from the people.

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