New Delhi [India], March 12 (ANI): New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will make a historic visit to India from March 16 to 20, marking a significant shift in the country's priorities.

By choosing to visit India before China, Luxon is signaling New Zealand's desire to strengthen ties with India, despite China being a much larger trading partner

Bhav Dhillon, former Consul to New Zealand and a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee, in an interview with the ANI, said that this move is seen as a strategic decision, as India is the world's fifth-largest economy and offers immense opportunities for trade and growth.

'The fact that for the first time the Prime Minister of New Zealand after resuming power is coming to India before travelling to China, and this assumes even greater importance that New Zealand's trading relationship with China is roughly 20 times more than what it is with India, but still, New Zealand is putting a lot of emphasis on this relationship and thus prioritising this relationship,' said Dhillon.

Luxon aims to increase trade and business opportunities between the two countries and promote New Zealand as an investment destination.

Talking about the cooperation between both the countries, he added, 'There is a huge opportunity for India as well, to increase their footprint in the region. So New Zealand's opening the door for India also, and let's hope both countries work together and the relationship grows and prospers.'

Former bureaucrat Bhav Dhillon believes that this visit marks a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations, with immense opportunities for cooperation in areas like trade, education, and tourism. The growing migration of Indian students to New Zealand and the country's strong educational system are expected to further cement the partnership.

Looking ahead, Dhillon expressed optimism about the future of people-to-people relations, noting that the growing migration of Indian students to New Zealand and the country's strong educational system will only further cement the partnership.

According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon will visit India from March 16 to 20 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Luxon is scheduled to attend the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 inaugural session on March 17 and deliver the keynote address. During his visit, he will also interact with Indian business leaders.

PM Luxon will be accompanied by a high-level delegation from various fields, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media, and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand.

PM Luxon confirmed his significant visit in a post on X, adding that he wants to increase trade and business opportunities between the two countries and promote New Zealand as an investment destination.

The visit is also seen as a chance for India to increase its footprint in the region, with New Zealand opening doors for Indian businesses and investments. As Luxon stated, 'Trade is a key part of our plan to grow the economy, reduce the cost of living, and create more jobs and higher incomes for all New Zealanders.' (ANI)