Address by Ms Muanpuii Saiawi, High Commissioner of India  on the launch of BOB Mobile Banking App 

(Friday, 29th May 2026), Auckland 

Namaste 

Ten Koutou Katoa 

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. 

I am honoured to be with you this evening and to be part of this important initiative. I would like to congratulate Bank of Baroda New Zealand Shri N.S. Venkatachalam and acknowledge Mr. Sandeep Khetan ji, Managing Director of Bank of Baroda Auckland and team for his leadership in advancing the digital initiatives of Bank of Baroda Ltd. 

India has witnessed a remarkable digital transformation in the banking and payments space, with digital payments becoming part of everyday life across cities, towns, and rural areas. 

UPI has emerged as a game changer in India’s payment ecosystem, demonstrating India’s capability to deliver secure, simple, scalable, and inclusive digital financial solutions. 

It is encouraging to see Indian banking institutions overseas, such as Bank of Baroda New Zealand, also strengthening their digital capabilities and aligning with the changing expectations of customers. 

Bank of Baroda is India’s second largest public sector banks, with a strong legacy of trust, a wide branch network across India, and an established international presence. (with more than 9000 branches, a global business of 360 US Billion Dollar and presence in 17 countries) 

The Indian diaspora in New Zealand continues to maintain strong emotional, family, financial, property, remittance, investment, and business connections with India. Bank of Baroda can play a useful role in supporting the diaspora’s

India-linked banking requirements, including NRI banking, remittances, deposits, and other banking needs connected with India. 

Bank of Baroda New Zealand also serves customers locally and is working to align its products and services with the expectations of the New Zealand market. 

The launch of the new mobile banking app reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to modernisation, customer convenience, and improved digital experience. 

The recently signed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement is an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries. As trade, investment, services, and people-to-people links between India and New Zealand grow, trusted financial institutions can play an important role in strengthening the financial corridor between both nations. 

Bank of Baroda’s scale, legacy, and India-wide presence can act as a bridge for businesses, professionals, families, and the wider diaspora community connecting with India. 

I encourage the Indian diaspora- that while customers have several banking choices in New Zealand, they may consider maintaining a meaningful banking relationship with Indian banks operating here. Even a reasonable share of the diaspora’s banking relationship with Indian institutions helps strengthen the India–New Zealand financial bridge and supports institutions that understand their India-linked requirements. 

Banking is built on trust, accessibility, service, and long-term relationships, and Bank of Baroda’s presence in New Zealand reflects these values. 

Thank you once again,  

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