President Droupadi Murmu arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday, which is the second stop of her three-nation tour. She was welcomed in Auckland by New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay and High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan. “A warm welcome to the Hon’ble @rashtrapatibhvn Smt. Droupadi Murmu as she arrived in New Zealand today. Warmly received by Minister @toddmcclaymp and HC Neeta Bhushan at Auckland,” Indian Embassy in New Zealand said in a post on X.
In a post on X, New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay also conveyed his honour stating, “An honour on behalf of the New Zealand Government to welcome Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of India, to New Zealand today. This visit is one of many recent government engagements to deepen our relationship & boost our strong people-to-people & cultural links.”
Earlier in the day, Murmu prayed at the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple in Nadi, Fiji. During an event, she spoke to the Indian community in Fiji, celebrating the enduring bond between India and Fiji and praising the Indian diaspora’s role in the island nation as a “source of inspiration” for the world. President Murmu began her six-day trip to Fiji, New Zealand, and Timor-Leste on Sunday, departing from New Delhi, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs. For the second part of her visit, Murmu is in New Zealand from August 7-9 at the invitation of Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand.
During her state visit, Murmu will have a bilateral meeting with Governor-General Kiro, meet with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, address an education conference, and engage with the Indian community and supporters of India, according to the ministry. In the final part of her tour, President Murmu will travel to Timor-Leste at the invitation of President Jose Ramos-Horta and will participate in events on August 10.