NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to New Zealand was marked by an unexpected diplomatic moment on Saturday, as he exchanged warm messages with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung over strengthening ties between India and New Zealand.

The friendly interaction unfolded on X after Lee publicly wished for the "friendship and progress" of India and New Zealand, prompting PM Modi to thank him for the thoughtful gesture.Responding to President Lee's message, PM Modi expressed his appreciation, saying such greetings from friends are especially meaningful.

"Thank you to President Lee Jae-myung for your warm congratulatory message. Thoughtful messages like these from friends are always deeply cherished," PM Modi wrote on X.

The exchange began after President Lee replied to a post by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who had shared visuals of the ceremonial welcome accorded to PM Modi in Auckland."Wishing for the friendship and progress of both India and New Zealand," President Lee wrote on X on Friday, in a message that added an unexpected touch of goodwill to PM Modi's visit.

The cordial social media interaction came as PM Modi and Luxon held wide-ranging bilateral talks in Auckland on Saturday, aimed at giving fresh momentum to relations following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement earlier this year.

The two leaders met after a ceremonial welcome at Government House, where PM Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour.Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with leading business and sports personalities before addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.Soon after arriving in Auckland on Friday, PM Modi described the visit as "historic", noting that it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades."Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades," he wrote.

PM Modi arrived in Auckland at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon, who personally welcomed him at the airport with a warm embrace.The visit comes months after India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement in April and is expected to further strengthen trade, investment and broader bilateral cooperation. The two leaders had previously met in New Delhi on 17 March 2025 during Luxon's official visit to India.