It was the first interaction between the two leaders. PM Hipkins came to power in January this year after previous PM Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation.

PM Modi in a tweet said the two sides had an excellent meeting.

“Had an excellent meeting with New Zealand PM @chrishipkins and discussed the full range of India-NZ relations. We talked about how to improve commercial and cultural linkages between our nations.”

The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said: “Giving fresh impetus to India-New Zealand relationship."

“PM @narendramodi met PM @chrishipkins of New Zealand in Port Moresby," he said.

“The two leaders, in what was their first interaction, discussed expanding cooperation in various sectors including trade & commerce, education, culture, sports and people to people ties," he said.