Her Excellency Madam Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, visited the Auckland Branch of Bank of Baroda on 7 January to inaugurate the Bank’s NRI Helpdesk, a dedicated facility aimed at further strengthening banking services for the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. The visit was accompanied by Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consul General of India, and senior officials of the Bank.
The launch of the NRI Helpdesk marks an important milestone for Bank of Baroda, which has been operating in New Zealand for over 15 years, providing a comprehensive range of banking services including deposits, advances, remittances, and trade-related financial solutions.
The newly inaugurated NRI Helpdesk has been established to provide end-to-end, customer-centric banking solutions to Non-Resident Indians. Services offered through the Helpdesk include NRI account opening, remittances, deposits, investments, loans, and advisory services, delivered through a single, dedicated platform to ensure convenience and efficiency.
Speaking on the occasion, Her Excellency Madam Neeta Bhushan, High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, stated:
“The Indian diaspora in New Zealand plays a significant role in strengthening the relationship between India and New Zealand. Initiatives such as the NRI Helpdesk demonstrate the commitment of Indian institutions to support the community and to facilitate deeper economic and financial engagement between the two countries.”
Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Consulate General of India, remarked:
“Indian banks in New Zealand act as an important link between the diaspora and India. The establishment of a dedicated NRI Helpdesk by Bank of Baroda will greatly enhance access to banking services and address the needs of the Indian community in a structured and effective manner.”
Mr. Sandeep Khetan, Managing Director, Bank of Baroda, said:
“Bank of Baroda has maintained a strong and trusted presence in New Zealand for the past 15 years. The launch of the NRI Helpdesk at our Auckland Branch reflects our continued focus on customer-centric initiatives and our commitment to providing seamless, end-to-end banking solutions to our NRI customers.”
Highlighting the Bank’s strategic vision, Mr. N. S. Venkatachalam, Chairman, Bank of Baroda, stated:
“The successful conclusion of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral trade and investment flows. Bank of Baroda is well placed to play a pivotal role in this evolving partnership, supporting businesses across both markets through comprehensive trade finance solutions, efficient remittance services, and seamless cross-border payment capabilities, while continuing to serve as a trusted financial partner to enterprises operating between India and New Zealand”.”
Bank of Baroda has recently strengthened its operations in New Zealand by augmenting its team with additional resources, reinforcing its commitment to service excellence and enhanced customer engagement. The Bank continues to adopt new initiatives focused on customer convenience while leveraging its strong domestic and international network.
The visit of Her Excellency and the inauguration of the NRI Helpdesk reaffirm Bank of Baroda’s dedication to serving the Indian community in New Zealand and contributing to the strengthening of economic and financial ties between India and New Zealand. -TIN Bureau