Modi's Visit Seeks ‘Nap Times’ and ‘Venues Without Stairs’, Reports New Zealand Media

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to New Zealand will feature specific logistical accommodations due to his age, along with stringent security measures, according to local media reports. Media reportage in New Zealand states that “Modi’s age (75) provides extra complexities”.

A report by the New Zealand news outlet Stuff detailed the extensive requirements laid out by the prime minister's advance security and logistics teams. Beyond physical security, the advance team has submitted highly specific requests regarding Modi’s daily itinerary. 

Organisers have been instructed to structure a schedule that “allows for nap times” or dedicated rest periods for Modi, who turned 75 on September 17, 2025. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, himself 75 now, had said in July 2025 that once they attain the age of 75, leaders should think of retiring and yield to younger colleagues. He later backtracked and claimed that he never said someone should retire. 

Additionally, the host government has been requested a “preference for venues without stairs he’d need to use”. The report suggests that this “likely stems from when he fell on stairs during an event six years ago”. 

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Modi was visiting Kanpur to review the progress of the Namami Gange project on December 14, 2019 at the Atal Ghat when he fell forward while climbing the steps of the ghat. The Special Protection Group personnel immediately rushed to his aid and helped him back to his feet. A few days later, local authorities in Kanpur announced that the specific uneven step on the staircase would be demolished and reconstructed to properly align with the rest of the stairs to prevent future accidents.

As per the report, New Zealand authorities are adding extra layers of security, which reportedly includes the positioning of police snipers at key engagement sites. While New Zealand is generally considered a low-risk destination, these enhanced security protocols reflect standard operational procedures for the Indian prime minister to account for any potential risks.

Modi's visit to New Zealand is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, advancing ongoing trade discussions, and interacting with the Indian diaspora living in the country.