Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to land in Auckland this evening, arriving directly from Australia as part of the first official visit by an Indian leader to New Zealand in 40 years.
His visit to Australia was described as "Modi Mania," with large crowds turning out to greet him. Auckland's Indian community has been preparing for a similarly festive welcome, with a Kia Ora Modi community event at Spark Arena planned for tomorrow.
The Indian leader, who is the highest-profile head of state to visit in more than a decade, was expected to touch down in his Boeing 777 dubbed India One shortly after 8pm.
Sunil Kaushal, of the India New Zealand Business Council, said the visit had been a long time coming.
"We've all been waiting for 40 years for this visit," Kaushal said.
"There's so much excitement — I mean, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Supporters are expected to pack Auckland's Kia Ora Modi event as India Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the first visit by an Indian leader to New Zealand in 40 years. (Source: 1News)
Security preparations were underway at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland today, where security screens and Indian flags have been put in place.
Police have brought in extra specialist support from around the country for public order and crowd control throughout his stay.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the visit carried real significance for New Zealand.
"It will be very significant, and that's purely because we've got a very significant world leader in town," Luxon said.
"As you'd expect, there will be intense security."
Modi is expected to mark New Zealand's recently signed free trade agreement with India during his visit, alongside growing ties between the two countries.
He arrives in Auckland today and is scheduled to depart tomorrow.
SHARE ME