Auckland, July 11 -- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday (local time) hailed Prime Minister Modi's visit as a "historic milestone", saying it marked the first time in 40 years that an Indian Prime Minister had set foot on New Zealand soil.

Addressing the Indian community event in Auckland, Luxon gave PM Modi a warm welcome and said, "Tonight, New Zealand makes history. For the first time in 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister stands on New Zealand soil...Prime Minister Modi, let me say on behalf of 5 million New Zealanders, you are worth the wait."

Reflecting on his long association with India, Luxon recalled his first visit to the country in the 1990s while working for Hindustan Unilever and contrasted the India he ...