PM Modi Shares a Laugh with New Zealand PM Over Cricket Banter

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon lightened the mood with a humorous exchange about cricket during their joint press conference in New Delhi on Monday. The friendly banter followed their defense cooperation talks.

PM Luxon playfully thanked PM Modi for not bringing up New Zealand’s recent defeat to India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, while cheekily reminding him of the Kiwis’ dominant 3-0 Test series victory in India last year. “Let’s just keep it that way and avoid a major diplomatic incident,” Luxon quipped, leaving PM Modi in laughter.

Acknowledging India’s strong performance, PM Luxon praised the Indian cricket team, referring to them as the “men in blue” and congratulating them for their impressive Champions Trophy victory. “They broke many New Zealanders’ hearts, including mine,” he joked.

India’s Champions Trophy triumph marked their first title win in the tournament since 2013. For Indian cricket fans, it was a moment of redemption after the Kiwi team, led by Tom Latham, dealt India a historic 3-0 Test series whitewash just months earlier. The light-hearted exchange between the two leaders reflected the friendly rivalry and mutual admiration that cricket fosters between the nations.