Indian president calls for deeper education ties with New Zealand

Indian President Droupadi Murmu has called for New Zealand to work with the South Asian nation on ways to collaborate on education.

Murmu was speaking at the New Zealand International Education Conference in Wellington on Thursday as part of a three-day state visit.

"I have seen and experienced the transformative power of education firsthand," she said. "I was the first women in my village to get a college education. It was only through education [that] I was able to serve my country in various capacities.

"In India, ever since ancient times, knowledge has been the highest purpose of life - the eternal pursuit. This has continued even in the 21st century."

Murmu had high praise for New Zealand's education sector.

"The incorporation of Māori culture and language in the curriculum not only contributed to its preservation but also enriched the country's educational environment," she said.

New Zealand was renowned for its high-quality education, which placed a special focus on innovation, she said.

"That's why over 8000 Indian students have chosen New Zealand as a destination to pursue higher education, a number which is growing all the time," she said. "They add much value here in terms of economic growth as well as enhance the multicultural fabric. We need to work together to ensure this success story of educational collaboration continues."

Earlier in the day, Murmu was received at Government House by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, where she was welcomed with a pōwhiri ceremony and accorded a Royal Guard of Honour.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters called on Murmu, with both leaders acknowledging the progress made in bilateral relations.

Murmu, who is the second female and the first person from a tribal community to be India's head of state, paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Wellington train station, and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pukeahu National War Memorial in the capital.

Murmu is scheduled to visit Auckland on Friday, where she will attend a community gathering of the Indian community in the evening before flying to the tiny South Pacific nation of Timor-Leste for a one-day state visit.

On Thursday, Trade Minister Todd McClay announced plans to visit India next week to discuss bilateral trade issues, including agriculture and forestry.

In addition to meeting his Indian counterparts in commerce, industry and primary industries, McClay also plans to visit the Indian state of Gujarat to meet local and New Zealand business owners.

The minister also plans to meet Bhupendra Patel, chief minister of Gujarat, on this leg of the visit.

Ahead of his trip, McClay expressed confidence that both countries could "build stronger food and fibre sectors, support commercial opportunities and foster conditions that spur growth on both sides".

"We are developing deeper and stronger engagement across all facets of the relationship, including in food and fibre exports, which hit $213 million last year," he said. "India is an important partner for New Zealand, and the government is committed to achieving a step up in our relationship."