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Congress recalls former NZ PM’s role in reviving ties with India in the 1980s as Modi elevates partnership

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the historical contributions of former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange in strengthening bilateral relations during the 1980s. The statement coincides with current government efforts to elevate the strategic partnership between India and New Zealand.

By Project Chintan Newsroom
12 July 2026 · 1 min read
Congress recalls former NZ PM’s role in reviving ties with India in the 1980s as Modi elevates partnership

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh recently noted that the foundations of modern India-New Zealand relations were significantly fortified during the leadership of David Lange. Ramesh pointed out that Lange maintained close personal and political ties with both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, facilitating a period of robust diplomatic engagement.

The Congress leader also detailed New Zealand’s historical contributions to India's social and economic infrastructure. He specifically cited the Pacific nation's assistance in developing the Indian dairy sector and its foundational role in helping establish the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

These reflections come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration seeks to further deepen the comprehensive partnership with Wellington. The historical context provided by the opposition emphasizes the long-standing multi-sectoral cooperation that preceded modern trade and security discussions. Source: Jairam Ramesh via social media.

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