In a landmark event held in Auckland, India and New Zealand have announced a significant expansion of their bilateral and digital relations. During a grand gala lunch hosted in his honor by New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a major digital integration initiative. Under this plan, India's instant payment system, UPI, is set to be linked with New Zealand's fast-payment network. PM Modi emphasized that both nations are actively converting their institutional strengths in digital technology, agriculture, education, and traditional medicine into concrete bilateral achievements.
Boosting Benefits for Farmers and Pastoralists in Both Nations
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transition of strategic partnerships into practical, on-the-ground cooperation. He pointed out that in the fintech sector, the two countries are progressing rapidly toward linking India's UPI with the payment infrastructure of New Zealand. Furthermore, a robust framework of cooperation has been established in key sectors like agriculture, dairy, and food processing. This collaborative effort is designed to directly benefit the farming and livestock-rearing communities in both countries, allowing them to leverage modern techniques and shared expertise.
Global Footprint of India's UPI Network
The integration with New Zealand marks another milestone in the global expansion of India's indigenous digital payment system. Currently, UPI services are functional or selectively available in several countries across the world, including
- Nepal: Offering seamless cross-border digital transactions.
- Bhutan: Enabling convenient digital payments for residents and travelers.
- Singapore: Connected payment gateways for swift transfers.
- United Arab Emirates: Widely accepted across various merchant networks.
- France: Available at selected commercial and tourist locations.
- Mauritius: Facilitating easy digital payments for users.
- Sri Lanka: Tailored specifically to assist Indian tourists visiting the island nation.
- Qatar: Operates at selected shopping malls and retail outlets.
- Cambodia: Expanding digital transactional reach in Southeast Asia.
- Greece: Accepted at selected merchant points across the European country.
Strengthening Educational, Cultural, and Healthcare Partnerships
During the bilateral discussions, a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cultural cooperation was highlighted. This agreement is set to boost exchanges in the fields of art, culture, heritage, and creative industries between the two nations. Addressing the educational ties, PM Modi noted that New Zealand has traditionally been a premier destination for Indian students seeking higher education. To deepen this connection, he extended an invitation to New Zealand's universities to establish physical campuses within India. Additionally, both countries are working in unison to mainstream traditional medicine systems within their healthcare cooperation models.
Recognizing the Indian Diaspora and Extending Gratitude to New Zealand
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that people-to-people connections remain the strongest pillar of India-New Zealand relations. He praised the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, stating that through their sheer dedication, hard work, and professional skills, they have secured a prestigious place for themselves in the local society. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the government, and the people of New Zealand for their continuous support and hospitality toward the Indian community.
These sentiments were formally mirrored in the joint statement released by India and New Zealand. The official document recognized the Indian community as an "integral and valuable part of New Zealand's diverse society." It designated the diaspora as a "vibrant bridge" that continuously propels the economic growth, cultural enrichment, and public life of both sovereign nations.
