Prime Minister Narendra Modi fondly recalled his first visit to New Zealand nearly three decades ago, sharing the story of a muffler gifted to him by a local resident that he still treasures today.

Narendra Modi Shares Personal Memory from Early New Zealand Visit During Auckland Gathering

Auckland, New Zealand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi struck an emotional chord with members of the Indian community in Auckland as he recounted memories from his first visit to New Zealand nearly 25 to 30 years ago, long before he entered public office.

Addressing a community event during his official visit to the country, Modi said that although this was his first trip to New Zealand as Prime Minister, he had visited the island nation decades earlier, at a time when he was not associated with any government position and was largely unknown in public life.

Sharing a personal anecdote with the audience, the Prime Minister spoke about the warmth and affection he had received during that earlier journey and revealed that he still preserves gifts presented to him by New Zealanders.

Modi Recalls His Early Connection with New Zealand

Speaking at the event, Modi said his relationship with New Zealand dates back to a period long before his rise in Indian politics.

“This might be my first visit as the Prime Minister, but 25–30 years ago, when I was not a part of any government and nobody knew me in public life, I received an opportunity to come to New Zealand,” he told the gathering.

The Prime Minister said that during that visit, a local resident gifted him three items—a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves—which he carried back to India.

The recollection offered attendees a glimpse into Modi’s personal experiences and highlighted the long-standing connections between the people of India and New Zealand.

A Gift Preserved for Nearly Three Decades

One of the most memorable moments of the event came when Modi revealed that he had brought one of those gifts with him to Auckland.

Pointing to the muffler he was wearing, the Prime Minister said it had been gifted to him by a New Zealander nearly three decades ago and had remained in his possession ever since.

“The muffler you see was gifted to me by a New Zealander 25–30 years back. I used it several times in these years and I take care of it even today, just like I take care of your love for me,” he said.

His remarks drew applause from members of the Indian diaspora gathered at the event.

Community Event Highlights Strong Diaspora Ties

The Auckland programme formed an important part of Modi’s visit to New Zealand, where he interacted with members of the Indian community and acknowledged their contributions to the country’s social and economic development.

New Zealand is home to a large and growing Indian diaspora, which has played an increasingly significant role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

During his address, Modi highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections and emphasised the role of overseas Indians in deepening bilateral relations.

Community events featuring the Prime Minister have often served as platforms to celebrate shared heritage while reinforcing diplomatic and cultural partnerships.

India–New Zealand Relations Continue to Grow

Modi’s visit comes amid expanding cooperation between India and New Zealand in areas such as trade, education, technology, agriculture and cultural exchange.

In recent years, both countries have worked to strengthen their strategic partnership through increased engagement at the political and economic levels.

The Indian diaspora has emerged as an important bridge in these efforts, contributing to stronger ties and closer collaboration between the two nations.

The Prime Minister’s recollection of his earlier visit underscored the enduring nature of those relationships and the significance of personal connections in diplomacy.

Symbolism Beyond Politics

The story of the decades-old muffler resonated with many in the audience because it reflected a personal side of the Prime Minister rarely seen during official engagements.

By preserving and continuing to use a gift received many years ago, Modi sought to convey the value he places on relationships and goodwill extended by people across borders.

The anecdote also served as a reminder of his journey from a relatively unknown visitor to one of the world’s most prominent political leaders.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address at a community event in Auckland to revisit memories of his first trip to New Zealand nearly three decades ago. Sharing the story of a muffler gifted to him during that visit, Modi said he continues to cherish and preserve it as a symbol of the affection he received from New Zealanders. The moment added a personal touch to his official visit and highlighted the enduring ties between India and New Zealand.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled visiting New Zealand 25–30 years ago.
• He said the trip took place long before he entered public life.
• Modi revealed that he still preserves a muffler, cap and gloves gifted to him during that visit.
• The Prime Minister brought the decades-old muffler to the Auckland community event.
• He said he values the gift in the same way he values the affection of the Indian community and the people of New Zealand.