Modi and Luxon Strengthen India-New Zealand Ties Through Strategic Partnership
Auckland, July 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon engaged in extensive discussions in Auckland on Saturday. They agreed to elevate India-New Zealand relations to a strategic partnership. The leaders also reviewed cooperation in key areas such as trade, defense, education, sports, and culture.
The meeting witnessed the exchange of several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) aimed at deepening mutual engagement.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the meeting on social media platform X, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extensive and fruitful discussions with PM Christopher Luxon on trade and commerce, defense and security, education, sports, culture, and other key areas of cooperation. Taking a significant step, both leaders decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.”
They also discussed the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and shared views on significant regional and global developments.
Jaiswal noted, “The meeting resulted in several MOUs and cooperation arrangements related to defense, disaster management, tourism, sports, and animal husbandry, further strengthening the dynamic partnership between India and New Zealand.”
During the talks, PM Modi expressed gratitude to PM Luxon for personally welcoming him at the airport, describing it as a special gesture that reflects the warmth of relations between the two countries.
PM Modi remarked, “Your arrival at the airport to receive me last night was a very special gesture, and I sincerely thank you for it. Your ministers were with me throughout, and I truly appreciate that.”
He added, “It brings me immense joy that after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand. By hosting these events in your economic capital, you have created a new momentum and strengthened India-New Zealand relations. I am grateful to you.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the enthusiastic welcome from the people of New Zealand, especially the Indian diaspora, made this visit particularly memorable.
He stated, “Anyone could be moved by the love shown by the people of New Zealand for India. It is truly heartwarming. This is one of the historic moments in our relations, which will give new momentum and energy to our friendship and mutual ties.”
After the discussions, Luxon emphasized the growing economic partnership between the two countries, particularly the ongoing negotiations regarding the proposed India-New Zealand FTA.
PM Luxon posted on X, “New Zealand and India connect the Indo-Pacific, but distance should not be a barrier to working together to boost our economies. We are doing this through our free trade agreement, which will eliminate tariffs on 57% of everything we sell to India from day one.”
PM Modi is on the final leg of his three-nation tour, marking the first official visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
