Auckland, July 11 -- Members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the "Kia Ora Modi" community event in Auckland as part of his two-day official visit to the country, saying that his speech highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, the importance of Maori culture and the role of the diaspora in strengthening bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Modi addressed a gathering of over 10,000 members of the Indian community in Auckland on Saturday, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joining the event.

A member of the Indian diaspora said they were delighted to witness Prime Minister Modi's interaction with the community and appreciated his remarks on Maori culture a...