PM Modi, NZ PM Luxon visit Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi
In a significant display of interfaith harmony and cultural exchange, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, visited the historic Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi on Monday. The two leaders, donning yellow scarves, bowed before the revered Guru Granth Sahib and paid their respects at the sacred Sikh shrine.
The visit was a testament to the warm bilateral relations between India and New Zealand, with Luxon arriving in the national capital on Sunday for a five-day trip to attend the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2025. The annual event, which is one of the most prominent international gatherings on global governance and diplomacy, brings together leaders and experts from around the world to discuss pressing issues and shape the future of international relations.
Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, located in the heart of Delhi, is one of the most sacred Sikh shrines in the country. The gurdwara is built on the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, was beheaded in 1675 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The shrine is a symbol of Sikh martyrdom and a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Sikh gurus.
The visit by PM Modi and PM Luxon to the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib was a significant moment in the history of Indo-New Zealand relations. The two leaders, who are known for their strong commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and cultural exchange, used the occasion to reinforce the bond between the two nations.
In a statement issued after the visit, PM Modi praised the rich cultural heritage of Sikhism and the significant contributions that Sikhs have made to Indian society. He also expressed his gratitude to PM Luxon for his interest in India’s spiritual traditions and his desire to learn more about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
PM Luxon, who was accompanied by his wife, Hannah, during the visit, paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur and the Sikh community. He also expressed his admiration for the values of tolerance, compassion, and service that are at the heart of Sikhism.
The visit to the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib was a poignant reminder of the deep cultural and spiritual ties that bind India and New Zealand together. The two nations have a long history of cooperation and friendship, which is built on a foundation of shared values and principles.
The Raisina Dialogue 2025, which PM Luxon is attending, is an annual event that brings together leaders and experts from around the world to discuss pressing issues and shape the future of international relations. The event is a significant platform for international diplomacy and provides an opportunity for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and build partnerships that can help address global challenges.
In the context of the current global landscape, the visit by PM Modi and PM Luxon to the Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib was a powerful symbol of the importance of interfaith harmony and cultural exchange. In an era marked by division and conflict, the two leaders’ willingness to engage with each other and learn from each other’s cultures is a beacon of hope for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, it is more important than ever that leaders like PM Modi and PM Luxon continue to promote the values of tolerance, compassion, and service that are at the heart of Sikhism. By doing so, they can help create a more peaceful and harmonious world, where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together in mutual respect and understanding.
