President Droupadi Murmu has said that India and New Zealand have close and friendly relations, based on shared values rooted in democracy, the rule of law, and strong people-to-people ties. Welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday evening, the President said that educational exchange is an important aspect of India-New Zealand relations. She highlighted the immense potential for enhancing educational cooperation between the two countries through institutional exchanges, the setting up of campuses by New Zealand universities in India, and dual degrees. President Murmu expressed satisfaction about the growth of bilateral trade and economic relations between India and New Zealand, including new opportunities for cooperation in the areas of customs, horticulture, forestry, disaster management, and traditional medicine. She appreciated the significant contribution of the talented and hardworking Indian community to the progress of New Zealand. The President recalled fond memories of her State Visit to New Zealand in August last year and said that the natural beauty of New Zealand and the cultural diversity of its people left an indelible mark on her mind. The two leaders agreed that the historic State Visit of the President to New Zealand in August last year and the significant outcomes announced today during Prime Minister Luxon’s visit will impart positive momentum to the India-New Zealand partnership.