Sources have revealed that New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was keen to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person during her official visit to Papua New Guinea in November. Ms Ardern reportedly sought a bilateral meeting with PM Modi and wanted to discuss topics such as trade and global issues. The sources also suggest that she was willing to fly down to meet PM Modi in New Delhi, if required.
The government of India is yet to respond to the request. But if it goes ahead, it would be a very significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries, given the importance of India in the Asia-Pacific region.