New Zealand Parliament Ratifies India Trade Pact, Landmark FTA To Take Effect In October

PM Modi with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

New Zealand’s Parliament has formally approved the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a decisive 93–29 vote, paving the way for the pact to take effect in October 2026.

The deal will eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India and grant duty-free access for all Indian exports to New Zealand, opening a market of 1.4 billion consumers.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed the parliamentary clearance as a landmark achievement. He emphasised that the agreement would generate more jobs, raise incomes, and expand opportunities for New Zealand exporters by unlocking India’s vast consumer base. Luxon described the ratification as proof that his National Party had delivered on its promise to secure the FTA within its first term.

The legislation was supported by both the ruling National Party and the opposition Labour Party, ensuring a clear majority. The FTA was originally signed on 27 April 2026, and Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has indicated that India is working to operationalise the agreement by October, with 19 October cited as the likely date.

Under the terms of the agreement, New Zealand will provide duty-free access for 100% of Indian exports, covering all tariff lines. This is expected to boost India’s labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, and processed foods.

The pact also includes a commitment of $20 billion (₹1,66,000 crore) investment by New Zealand in India over 15 years, aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation.

For New Zealand exporters, 57% of exports to India will become duty-free immediately, while tariffs on 95% of exports will be eliminated or reduced once the agreement is fully implemented. Sensitive Indian sectors such as dairy, sugar, and certain agricultural and metal products have been excluded from tariff concessions.

Products like wood, wool, sheep meat, and raw hides will see immediate tariff elimination, while others such as wine, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and aluminium will benefit from phased reductions. Tariff-rate quotas will apply to items like Mānuka honey, apples, kiwifruit, and albumins.

The agreement also covers agricultural cooperation, focusing on productivity improvements in kiwifruit, apples, and honey. Joint work will include planting material, orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains, and food safety. In services, New Zealand has committed across 118 sectors, with Most-Favoured Nation treatment in 139 sectors.

Mobility provisions are a key highlight. A Temporary Employment Entry visa pathway will allow 5,000 skilled Indians to work in New Zealand for up to three years in fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, AYUSH, yoga, culinary arts, and music.

Additionally, a Working Holiday Visa scheme will enable 1,000 young Indians annually to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Student mobility is also addressed, with Indian students permitted to work up to 20 hours weekly during studies and eligible for extended post-study work visas.

The FTA further provides for cooperation in investment, research, innovation, renewable energy, digital services, and infrastructure, reflecting its broad scope beyond trade in goods.

Trade Minister Todd McClay highlighted that the kiwifruit industry alone expects to save around ₹1,040 crore in tariffs over five years, underscoring the tangible benefits for New Zealand exporters.

The parliamentary approval marks a decisive step towards implementation, with both sides committed to doubling two-way trade by 2030. Current bilateral trade stands at approximately NZ$3.99 billion (₹19,000 crore), with India ranked as New Zealand’s ninth-largest export market.

ANI

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Indian And New Zealand Navies To Launch First Bilateral Exercise In 2027

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan held substantive discussions in Auckland with New Zealand’s Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Garin Golding, on Monday. The talks centred on strategic issues, including the plan to conduct the maiden bilateral naval exercise between the two countries in 2027.

The Indian Navy confirmed that the discussions focused on expanding cooperation under the bilateral maritime security framework. Both sides emphasised boosting operational ties and improving maritime information-sharing mechanisms to strengthen collaboration between the two forces.

Building upon the India–New Zealand Maritime Security Cooperation Arrangement, the two Chiefs exchanged views on enhancing the partnership between the navies. They discussed advancing operational engagement, including the inaugural bilateral naval exercise in 2027, and explored ways to ensure more effective maritime information exchange.

Upon his arrival in Auckland, Admiral Swaminathan was accorded a traditional Maori Powhiri welcome at Te Taua Moana Marae, located at the HMNZS Philomel naval base. The Indian Navy described the ceremony as a powerful expression of Manaakitanga, respect and welcome, deeply woven into the identity of the New Zealand Navy. It was highlighted as a uniquely New Zealand beginning to a visit anchored in enduring bonds, mutual respect and shared maritime traditions.

During his official itinerary, Admiral Swaminathan also held consultations with the Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, and Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi. The Indian High Commission in New Zealand noted that the visit comes at a time when India and New Zealand have elevated their bilateral relationship and strengthened maritime cooperation.

Admiral Swaminathan’s engagements in New Zealand followed a series of official meetings in Australia, underscoring India’s broader Indo-Pacific outreach and commitment to deepening defence and maritime partnerships in the region.

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India Deepens Quad Military Ties As Xi Arrives For BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS summit marks his first visit to India in seven years.

The timing is significant as the Indian military is simultaneously engaged with all three other Quad partners, underscoring New Delhi’s balancing act between dialogue with Beijing and deepening defence cooperation with the United States, Japan and Australia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began bilateral meetings with visiting BRICS leaders on Friday, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A meeting between Modi and Xi is being arranged on the margins of the summit, where the two leaders are expected to review progress in bilateral ties following the disengagement of troops from several friction points along the Line of Actual Control.

China has repeatedly criticised the Quad, describing it as an “anti‑China front line” and “mini NATO”, accusing it of bloc confrontation. The four members, however, maintain that the Quad is not a military alliance, but the timing of India’s engagements with its partners highlights the strategic convergence taking place.

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas with the US Army began on Wednesday and will continue until the end of the month. For the first time, the exercise is being conducted across two theatres, with contingents training at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges near Bikaner before moving to Auli in Uttarakhand, roughly 95 kilometres from the LAC.

The drill has expanded well beyond its original peacekeeping orientation to include long‑range fires, high‑altitude operations, air mobility, logistics and counter‑unmanned aerial systems.

In parallel, the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self‑Defence Force began Exercise Veer Guardian‑26 at Jodhpur. The two‑week exercise features Japanese F‑2A fighters alongside IAF Tejas, Su‑30MKI and Rafale aircraft.

Both sides are undertaking advanced operational missions and professional exchanges. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and his Japanese counterpart General Takehiro Morita are expected at the base during the drill and are likely to fly sorties.

Meanwhile, Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began his visit to Australia on Wednesday, focusing on operational interaction, interoperability, information‑sharing, training and professional exchanges with the Royal Australian Navy and Australian defence leadership.

He will subsequently engage New Zealand’s defence leadership. India and Australia already have a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and conduct AUSINDEX, while Australia has participated in Malabar with India, the US and Japan since 2020.

The maritime engagement assumes greater importance as the People’s Liberation Army Navy expands operations beyond China’s near seas. Chinese warships, submarines and survey vessels have become a persistent presence in the Indian Ocean, while Beijing’s military base at Djibouti provides a foothold for sustained operations in the western Indian Ocean.

India has responded by building a wider maritime picture through mission‑based deployments and information‑sharing with partner countries. The Information Fusion Centre‑Indian Ocean Region at Gurugram hosts liaison officers from several partner navies and is intended to improve maritime‑domain awareness and the exchange of operational information.

The convergence of these military engagements with Xi’s visit underscores the complexity of India’s strategic environment. On one hand, New Delhi is hosting the Chinese leader for dialogue at the BRICS summit. On the other, it is reinforcing defence ties with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, signalling its intent to maintain balance and readiness in a contested Indo‑Pacific.

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Admiral Swaminathan’s Sydney Engagement Strengthens Indo-Pacific Naval Ties

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan’s visit to Sydney has marked a significant step in strengthening India–Australia naval cooperation, with detailed discussions on interoperability, evolving fleet capabilities, and future inductions.

The engagements highlight India’s growing maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, extending also to New Zealand.

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, interacted with Rear Admiral Anita Williams, Commander of the Australian Fleet, at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney. The meeting focused on enhancing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Discussions covered the Australian Navy’s evolving fleet capabilities, future inductions, and avenues for operational interaction between the two navies.

The Indian Navy Spokesperson shared details of the engagement on X, noting that the CNS was also given a familiarisation tour of HMAS Kuttabul. The tour included an overview of fleet infrastructure and operational capabilities, underscoring the importance of practical exchanges in strengthening bilateral naval ties.

The Ministry of Defence had earlier emphasised that the visit is aimed at further strengthening cooperation with both the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The Australia leg of the visit builds upon the momentum generated by the Third India–Australia Annual Summit in July 2026 and the Second India–Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in June 2026. Both nations have been steadily deepening cooperation in defence and security, particularly in maritime security and regional collaboration.

The visit also extends to New Zealand, where Admiral Swaminathan will hold discussions with senior leadership of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

These engagements will focus on operational interaction, information sharing, training, and professional exchanges. The CNS will visit key operational and training establishments and interact with RNZN personnel, including officers undergoing professional military education.

The New Zealand leg of the visit gains significance in the backdrop of the recently concluded Maritime Cooperation Arrangement.

This framework provides expanded opportunities for practical maritime cooperation between India and New Zealand, reflecting the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in July 2026.

India’s growing defence and maritime engagement with Australia and New Zealand underscores its commitment to sustained cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The Indian Navy’s efforts to deepen partnerships with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy contribute to peace, security, and stability in the region.

The engagements highlight India’s strategic intent to strengthen interoperability, enhance operational exchanges, and build resilient maritime partnerships in the face of evolving regional challenges.

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India Expands Indo-Pacific Defence Outreach As Trump Pulls Back

India has intensified its defence outreach in the Indo-Pacific as US President Donald Trump has withdrawn from the region under a strategic realignment, FirstPost reported.

This recalibration has prompted New Delhi to expand its engagements with regional partners to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently in Colombo, holding talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. His visit marks the first by an Indian defence minister to Sri Lanka in nearly four decades, underscoring the strategic importance of the island nation to India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR initiatives.

Singh described the meeting as highly productive, reaffirming commitments to regional peace, prosperity, and security. He emphasised that India and Sri Lanka are civilizational twins and maritime partners, bound by shared history, culture, and faith.

He assured Colombo that India would stand steadfastly with Sri Lanka during any crisis, highlighting the strong cultural and civilizational foundation for expanding bilateral ties.

Parallel to this, the Indian and Japanese air forces have commenced the bilateral ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ exercise in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Indian Air Force is fielding TEJAS, Su-30MKI, and Rafale fighter aircraft, while Japan has deployed F-2A fighters.

The 14-day exercise involves advanced operational missions, mission planning integration, and professional exchanges on aerospace safety and engineering. The drills aim to enhance tactical proficiency and operational synergy, reaffirming the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan.

The exercise reflects the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the face of regional challenges.

Meanwhile, Indian Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan is visiting Australia and New Zealand to build on the understandings reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits earlier in July.

In Canberra, Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to expand military interoperability, increase aircraft deployments in each other’s territories, and deepen personnel exchanges, education, and training programs.

Swaminathan’s visit comes as Australia and New Zealand take the lead in countering China’s influence in the Pacific, entering into security agreements with island nations and reinforcing their commitment to regional initiatives such as the Quad, even as Washington steps back.

India’s heightened engagement with Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia reflects a broader strategy of middle powers joining hands to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia, coupled with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s earlier trip to India, highlight the strengthening of these partnerships. 

Collectively, these efforts position India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and a proactive player in shaping Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Through these coordinated diplomatic and military initiatives, India is signalling its readiness to shoulder greater responsibility in the Indo-Pacific, filling the vacuum left by the United States and reinforcing its role as a stabilising force in the region.

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Admiral Swaminathan’s Indo-Pacific Australia And New Zealand Tour To Strengthen Naval Partnerships

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, will embark on an official visit to Australia and New Zealand beginning on 9 September.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the visit is intended to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s bilateral cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy.

The visit to Australia comes at a time of growing momentum in India–Australia relations. This follows the Third India–Australia Annual Summit held in July 2026 and the Second India–Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in June 2026. Both nations have been deepening cooperation in defence and security, with a particular emphasis on maritime security and regional collaboration.

During his engagements in Australia, Admiral Swaminathan will hold bilateral discussions with senior leadership of the Royal Australian Navy and interact with senior Australian defence officials.

These meetings will provide an opportunity to review ongoing naval cooperation and explore avenues for strengthening operational interaction, interoperability, information sharing, training and professional exchanges between the two navies.

The Chief of the Naval Staff will also visit key operational and training establishments in Australia and interact with Royal Australian Navy personnel. Discussions will cover maritime capabilities, emerging technologies and professional military education, reflecting the expanding scope of cooperation between the two navies.

The visit to New Zealand builds upon renewed momentum in India–New Zealand relations, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026. During that visit, India and New Zealand elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation across several areas, including defence and maritime security.

In New Zealand, Admiral Swaminathan will hold discussions with senior leadership of the Royal New Zealand Navy and engage with senior New Zealand defence officials. The engagements will focus on strengthening operational interaction, information sharing, training and professional exchanges between the two navies.

The Chief of the Naval Staff will also visit key operational and training establishments in New Zealand and interact with Royal New Zealand Navy personnel, including officers undergoing professional military education.

The visit gains added significance in the backdrop of the recently concluded Maritime Cooperation Arrangement, which provides an expanded framework for practical maritime cooperation between India and New Zealand.

This visit underscores India’s growing defence and maritime engagement with both Australia and New Zealand. It highlights the commitment of the Indian Navy to deepen cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy through practical and sustained maritime engagement. Such efforts contribute to peace, security and stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

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PM Modi Praises New Zealand’s Role In Chandrayaan Success, Highlights Shared Indigenous Traditions And India’s Global Achievements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Auckland, hailed New Zealand’s contribution to India’s Chandrayaan lunar mission and emphasised the growing collaboration in the space sector, while also celebrating shared indigenous traditions and India’s economic achievements.

He noted that New Zealand’s technology supported Chandrayaan’s success and called for deeper cooperation in advanced technologies and trade.

At the community event in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi declared that when India’s Chandrayaan landed on the Moon’s south pole, all of New Zealand rejoiced. He stressed that New Zealand’s technology had contributed to this success and highlighted that New Zealand’s space companies have collaborated with India on several occasions.

He underlined that both nations are working to expand this cooperation further, with the recently concluded trade agreement expected to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation while boosting businesses in both countries.

He drew attention to the cultural similarities between India and New Zealand, particularly in the celebration and preservation of indigenous traditions. Modi paid tribute to the Maori community, explaining that he did not view the Haka merely as a performance but as the soul of a community, embodying courage, self-respect, reverence for ancestors, and collective strength.

He referred to the Maori concept of ‘Manaakitanga’, meaning respect, belonging, and wholehearted care, and compared it to India’s ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, noting that while words and settings may differ, the sentiment remains the same.

The Prime Minister recounted India’s major achievements, stressing that India is today the world’s fastest-growing major economy. He listed India’s global rankings: the largest vaccine producer, among the leading nations in mobile data consumption, the second-largest mobile manufacturer, the second-largest telecom market, the second-largest wheat producer, the largest milk producer, the second-largest fish producer, and the third-largest automobile market. He emphasised that India has also joined the ranks of leading nations in solar energy capacity.

Modi further highlighted that India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and is soon to become the third-largest renewable energy producer. He noted that India’s achievements in solar energy capacity and digital public infrastructure are attracting global interest, with dozens of countries showing keen interest in India’s innovative models of development.

He stressed that India is offering new models of growth to the world, reflecting its transformation into a hub of innovation and sustainability.

He also pointed out that India’s space economy, currently valued at around $8–9 billion, is projected to grow to $40–45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, private sector participation, and innovation.

He mentioned that India’s achievements through ISRO, including Chandrayaan and the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, have positioned the country among the world’s leading space powers.

He explained that space-based technologies are increasingly being used for infrastructure development, project monitoring, and public service delivery, making space innovation a key pillar of India’s future growth.

In his remarks, Modi expressed gratitude to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for joining the community programme, describing his presence as a reflection of the warmth he holds for India and the Indian community.

PM Modi praised the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, calling them one of the strongest pillars of friendship between the two nations. He described addressing them in Auckland as a memorable experience, with an unforgettable atmosphere at the community programme.

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PM Modi Concludes Three-Nation Tour With Landmark Strategic Partnership In New Zealand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand on Saturday, departing from Auckland after a landmark visit that elevated India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the journey as one that deepened bonds, strengthened partnerships and shaped a shared future. In a special gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally came to the airport to see off his Indian counterpart.

The two-day official visit to New Zealand, held on 10–11 July, marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades. Modi was accorded a traditional Maori welcome at Government House in Auckland, complete with ceremonial rituals symbolising peace and respect, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour.

Extensive bilateral discussions were held in restricted and delegation-level formats, covering trade, investment, defence, maritime cooperation, agriculture, education, sports, tourism, culture, innovation and people-to-people ties.

The leaders agreed to elevate relations to a Strategic Partnership and adopted the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030, a comprehensive framework guiding cooperation across ministries and stakeholders.

PM Modi emphasised that 2026 had already been a landmark year, with the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement earlier in record time and now the elevation of ties. He declared India’s ambition to double bilateral trade by 2030.

Eighteen key outcomes were announced. Defence and maritime security featured prominently, with a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Cooperation between India’s Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force, an Implementation Arrangement on Hydrography and Nautical Cartography, and an Arrangement on Mutual Logistics Support between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force. A Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism was also established.

Disaster management cooperation was strengthened through a Memorandum of Cooperation between India’s National Disaster Management Authority and New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency, focusing on earthquake resilience, tsunami preparedness and coastal hazard mitigation. Agriculture and livestock collaboration was advanced through a Memorandum of Cooperation on Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Tourism ties were boosted with a Memorandum of Arrangement encouraging direct non-stop flights between the two countries. A Joint Action Plan on Sport was unveiled, while cultural and heritage cooperation was expanded through agreements between India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex and the New Zealand Maritime Museum, and a broader Arrangement on Cultural Cooperation.

The Strategic Partnership also included commitments to double bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion by 2030, ensure effective implementation of the Free Trade Agreement, and establish a Maritime Security Dialogue.

New Zealand joined the maritime security pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to combat illegal fishing. In clean energy, New Zealand joined the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Agricultural innovation was advanced through a Kiwifruit Action Plan and Centres of Excellence in Nagaland and Uttarakhand. Scientific cooperation was strengthened through an MoU between India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and the University of Canterbury, focusing on Antarctic research. Food technology collaboration was enhanced through an agreement between NIFTEM-Kundli and Massey University.

The Joint Statement reflected an ambitious long-term vision, aiming to strengthen cooperation mechanisms, explore new opportunities across sectors and enhance coordination on regional and multilateral issues.

PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia earlier in the week reaffirmed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with President Prabowo Subianto, with wide-ranging talks on political ties, defence, trade, technology and maritime cooperation. A highlight was the joint inauguration of the restoration project of the 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple, underscoring shared civilizational links.

In Australia, Modi participated in the third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The summit produced a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, expanded collaboration in Indo-Pacific security and military interoperability, and finalised arrangements for the export of Australian uranium to India under IAEA safeguards.

Albanese also announced that the Big Bash League 2026–27 season would begin in India, with Chennai hosting the opening fixture in December, marking the first BBL match outside Australia. Cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, trade and investment was also expanded.

The three-nation tour thus delivered significant outcomes across trade, technology, security, education, innovation and cultural exchanges, reinforcing India’s role as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

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New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon Hails India’s Transformation Under Modi, Calls Progress Inspiring

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised India’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the country’s progress as “incredible” and emphasising his long-standing admiration for India.

Speaking at the India–New Zealand Business and Sports Engagement event in Auckland, Luxon reflected on his first visit to India in the 1990s while working for Unilever, recalling how daily wages were paid in coins.

He contrasted that memory with the present reality, noting that under Modi’s leadership 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty and India’s middle class has expanded to 440 million, with projections to reach 750 million by the end of the decade.

Luxon said he had witnessed India’s journey from low-income to middle-income and now towards high-income status, calling it inspiring and exciting. He extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi and thanked him for bringing a delegation of Indian business leaders to New Zealand to strengthen commercial ties.

Luxon recalled his first meeting with Modi in Laos, when the Indian leader had outlined the scale of India’s infrastructure expansion, including the construction of 147 airports, the need for 2,000 additional aircraft to manage domestic tourism, and the rapid establishment of universities and polytechnics.

Highlighting opportunities for cooperation, Luxon pointed to agriculture, food, tourism, education and technology as areas where India and New Zealand could expand collaboration. He noted that as India’s 1.4 billion citizens grow wealthier, New Zealand could supply food and produce, offer tourism experiences, and share expertise in education and technology.

He reminded Modi that New Zealand, traditionally known as an agricultural nation, is now the third-largest launcher of rockets in the world, underscoring the potential for collaboration in advanced technology.

Luxon praised the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year, saying it would create the conditions for stronger economic growth. He stressed that while governments can establish frameworks, it is businesses that ultimately generate growth and wealth, lifting living standards in both countries.

He urged business leaders to take responsibility for deepening engagement and translating opportunities into tangible outcomes.

Drawing on the ideas of Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, Luxon said meaningful progress requires governments, businesses and communities to work together. He explained that governments provide the operating system, businesses deliver speed and scale, and communities identify needs and challenges. He argued that all three actors must collaborate to realise the vast opportunities between India and New Zealand.

Luxon encouraged New Zealand businesses to better understand the Indian market, describing Indian consumers as among the most discerning in the world. He urged them to travel to India, learn about the markets, find the right partners, and tailor products and services to meet local needs.

He concluded by thanking participants for their commitment to advancing the bilateral relationship and expressed optimism about the future of India–New Zealand ties, ending his remarks with “Dhanyavaad.”

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PM Modi Lauds Maori Leaders, Calls For Inclusive And Sustainable Trade Model

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the Business and Sports Engagement event in Auckland, underscored the cultural synergy between India and the indigenous Maori community of New Zealand.

He emphasised that the shared values of respect for nature, community, and sustainability between India and the Maori people could form the foundation of a new model for inclusive and sustainable global trade.

He expressed special gratitude to Maori business leaders, noting that the newly concluded India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) had carved out special provisions for Maori enterprises, thereby recognising their unique role in the bilateral economic partnership.

The Prime Minister highlighted that both Indian and Kiwi business communities were being elevated to a strategic partnership. He praised the Maori business sector, which operates across a wide spectrum of commercial and export markets. Traditionally strong in agribusiness, fisheries, and forestry, Maori enterprises have expanded into tourism, real estate, professional services, and green energy.

Their economy is distinct for being intergenerational, sustainability-focused, and community-driven. Maori businesses deal extensively in dairy, sheep, beef, and kiwifruit, with major entities such as Moana New Zealand playing a central role. These enterprises rely heavily on international exports, with Asia being a key trading partner.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a traditional Maori ‘powhiri’ ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland. He described the experience as deeply moving and shared his sentiments on social media, calling it a reflection of New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions.

This ceremonial welcome symbolised the depth of cultural respect and mutual admiration between the two nations.

During delegation-level talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Modi hailed the swift conclusion of the India–New Zealand FTA, describing it as a remarkable achievement and a global first in terms of speed.

He noted the historic significance of his visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, and expressed gratitude for Luxon’s leadership in fast-tracking the trade pact. Modi recalled Luxon’s visit to India during the Holi festival last year, which he said had added “new colours” to the bilateral relationship, and now both nations were binding their ties through a Strategic Partnership.

The Prime Minister stressed that India and New Zealand are natural partners, bound by shared democratic values and common interests as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific.

He expressed confidence that the enhanced partnership would contribute meaningfully to global peace, stability, and security. He described the relationship as one that could act as a catalyst for peace and global well-being.

Reflecting the strong people-to-people ties, Modi is scheduled to address a massive gathering of the Indian diaspora in Auckland later in the day. His visit, undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon, began on Friday when he was warmly received by the New Zealand leader. This visit, coupled with the FTA, is expected to generate fresh momentum in trade, cultural exchange, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

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PM Modi Holds Historic Bilateral Talks With New Zealand PM Luxon In Auckland

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, in Auckland on Saturday.

The discussions followed a ceremonial welcome at the Government House, where Prime Minister Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour, underscoring the significance of the visit.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, he will also address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

On Friday, shortly after arriving in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi described his visit as historic. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Luxon for the warm welcome at the airport and emphasised that this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. Sharing visuals of his arrival, he voiced optimism about the bilateral talks and his upcoming community address.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday and was greeted personally by Prime Minister Luxon, with whom he shared a warm embrace. The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon, highlighting the growing warmth in bilateral relations.

Following the signing of a Free Trade Agreement in April this year, the visit is expected to act as a catalyst to generate further momentum in trade and bilateral relations. The two leaders had previously met in New Delhi on 17 March 2025 during Prime Minister Luxon’s official visit to India, where they laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation.

Before arriving in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi concluded a highly successful visit to Australia. There, he participated in the third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit alongside his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese. That summit marked a milestone in the two nations’ six-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Melbourne meeting produced a landmark suite of agreements focused on reinforcing Indo-Pacific security architecture, securing critical mineral supply chains, and accelerating the transition to clean energy. A new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation was unveiled, replacing the 2009 security pact and deepening military integration between India and Australia.

Prime Minister Albanese described India as a top-tier security partner, stressing the shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He announced plans to boost strategic coordination, increase the complexity of defence exercises, and further build interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the practical implications of this shift, announcing the creation of an India-Australia Defence Innovation Corridor. He explained that this initiative would connect defence startups and industries, while a maritime security collaboration roadmap would strengthen joint efforts in the Indo-Pacific.

Another breakthrough of the summit was the finalisation of administrative arrangements required to implement the 2015 Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. This milestone paves the way for the export of Australian uranium to India, exclusively for peaceful, IAEA-safeguarded civil nuclear energy programs.

The sequence of visits to Australia and New Zealand reflects India’s growing strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The Auckland talks are expected to build on the momentum generated by the Free Trade Agreement and expand cooperation in trade, defence, and people-to-people exchanges, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations.

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India And New Zealand Elevate Ties With Strategic Partnership Roadmap To 2030 Targeting NZ$7 Billion Trade

India and New Zealand have formally elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership, adopting the “India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030” as a guiding framework for cooperation across multiple sectors.

The announcement was made in Auckland during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to New Zealand on 10–11 July, his first trip to the country in four decades, at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

The Joint Statement issued by the two leaders confirmed that the Strategic Partnership is intended to strengthen existing mechanisms and open new avenues of collaboration, both bilaterally and multilaterally. The roadmap sets out a long-term vision to deepen ties in trade, agriculture, security, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges over the next four years.

Under the trade and economic cooperation pillar, both sides agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZD 7 billion (₹35,000 crore) by 2030. This aspirational target reflects the ambition to expand market access and diversify economic engagement.

The roadmap also commits both countries to ensuring the early entry into force and effective implementation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which was signed earlier this year. 

The leaders welcomed the FTA as a balanced and mutually beneficial accord that will remove barriers to trade, promote investment, and strengthen the economic partnership.

The Joint Statement highlighted New Zealand’s support for India’s Viksit Bharat goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. This support will extend across trade, agriculture, skills, innovation, clean energy, sport, and other areas.

Customs cooperation was also emphasised, with the roadmap providing for the operationalisation of the 2025 Authorised Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement under the 2024 Customs Cooperation Arrangement. This will simplify customs processes and facilitate trusted trade.

Tourism featured prominently, with the signing of a Memorandum of Arrangement on Tourism. The leaders encouraged airlines to commence direct non-stop flights between India and New Zealand, which would significantly boost connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Expanding cooperation in primary industries was also welcomed, including horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry, and dairying. The Agricultural Productivity Partnership under the FTA will see New Zealand working with India on productivity action plans for kiwifruit, apples, and honey.

Centres of Excellence in kiwifruit will be established in India, and a Memorandum of Cooperation on Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been concluded.

Maritime cooperation was another area of focus. The leaders welcomed continued dialogue between India’s Directorate General of Shipping and Maritime New Zealand to strengthen recognition of seafarer competency certificates. Enhanced recognition will support seafarer mobility and deepen cooperation between the two countries’ maritime authorities.

This Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030 represents a significant elevation of India-New Zealand relations, combining economic ambition with broader cooperation in agriculture, innovation, tourism, and maritime affairs.

It underscores both nations’ commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking partnership that aligns with India’s developmental aspirations and New Zealand’s global trade diversification goals.

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India And New Zealand Elevate Defence Partnership With Indo-Pacific Maritime Framework

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasised that the expanding defence and security cooperation between India and New Zealand is a reflection of the “deep strategic trust” binding the two nations.

His remarks came during a Gala Lunch hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, where both leaders announced a series of new agreements aimed at strengthening maritime collaboration, institutionalising defence engagement, and expanding joint efforts against terrorism and transnational crime.

Modi highlighted that the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed last year had already laid a strong foundation for bilateral defence ties. He noted that the latest agreement on a framework for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific would further enhance coordination through bilateral naval exercises, logistics support, and cooperation in hydrography.

This marks a significant step in aligning both countries’ strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The India-New Zealand Joint Statement confirmed that both Prime Ministers welcomed progress in implementing the 2025 Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. They agreed to institutionalise regular structured engagement between their Defence Ministries and armed services, ensuring continuity and depth in defence dialogue.

The statement also recalled the cooperation under Combined Task Force 150 in 2025, where New Zealand served as Commander and India as Deputy Commander, contributing to international efforts against narcotics smuggling, terrorism, and illicit maritime activities in the Middle East and Western Indian Ocean.

Recognising their shared interests as maritime nations committed to a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the two sides concluded several key arrangements. These included a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement, an Implementing Arrangement on Cooperation in Matters of Hydrography and Nautical Cartography, and a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement focused on maritime operations. Bilateral naval exercises under the new framework were also welcomed as a means to deepen operational synergy.

India acknowledged New Zealand’s nomination of Maritime Security as its priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Both countries agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and information sharing. This dialogue is expected to serve as a platform for addressing evolving maritime challenges and enhancing strategic alignment.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to intensify collaboration on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and other emerging security challenges. They agreed to pursue these objectives through bilateral, regional, and multilateral mechanisms, thereby broadening the scope of their security partnership.

In addition, India and New Zealand pledged to strengthen practical law enforcement cooperation to combat transnational organised crime. This includes tackling illicit drug trafficking, financial crime, cyber-enabled crime, terrorism-related offences, people smuggling, and trafficking in persons.

Both sides agreed to work towards the early formalisation of counter-narcotics and broader law enforcement cooperation arrangements between their respective agencies. This reflects a shared determination to address global security threats through coordinated action and intelligence sharing.

Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to New Zealand from July 10–11, at the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon, marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.

The visit elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and saw the adoption of a Roadmap to 2030. This roadmap outlines deeper cooperation across defence, trade, technology, security, and people-to-people ties, signalling a new era in India-New Zealand relations.

The agreements reached during this visit underscore the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific. They also highlight the determination of both nations to contribute to regional stability, maritime security, and the fight against global security challenges.

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India-New Zealand FTA to Double Bilateral Trade by 2030; NZ Pledges $20B Investment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a landmark achievement that would transform bilateral economic relations.

Speaking at the Business and Sports Engagement event in Auckland, he declared that the agreement, concluded in a record nine months, would unlock unprecedented opportunities in market access, investment, services and technology. He expressed confidence that the two countries would double their bilateral trade by 2030.

The Prime Minister emphasised that New Zealand’s long‑term financial commitment of USD 20 billion over the next 15 years was not merely an investment pledge but a demonstration of global confidence in India’s economic trajectory. He described it as a partnership in India’s development journey, underscoring the strategic depth of the relationship.

Modi highlighted that the event marked a turning point in bilateral ties, with both nations formally elevating their relationship to a Strategic Partnership. He stressed that this was not simply a diplomatic milestone but a new resolve for a shared future. He praised New Zealand’s business community for its innovation and enterprise, while noting that he carried with him the aspirations and ambitions of 140 crore Indians.

The development coincided with the adoption of the “India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030.” This framework sets out ambitious plans to deepen cooperation across trade, agriculture, security, innovation and people‑to‑people ties over the next four years.

The joint statement issued by both governments confirmed that the Prime Ministers had decided to elevate the relationship to a Strategic Partnership and endorsed the roadmap to guide joint action.

The statement further noted that both leaders agreed to a long‑term vision for the Strategic Partnership, aiming to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms and explore new avenues for collaboration bilaterally and multilaterally. Modi’s visit, taking place from 10–11 July at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, is historic as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

Under Pillar III of the roadmap on Trade and Economic Cooperation, both nations agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (₹35,000 crore) by 2030. They also committed to ensuring the early entry into force and effective implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.

The joint statement concluded by welcoming the conclusion and signature of a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA, with both sides pledging swift execution.

This agreement and the strategic roadmap together signal a new era in India–New Zealand relations, combining economic ambition with strategic vision, and laying the foundation for deeper engagement across multiple sectors.

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PM Modi Lauds Maori Powhiri, Says Receiving It Was An 'Honour' At Auckland Government House

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described himself as “honoured” after receiving a traditional Maori powhiri ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland.

The ceremony, steeped in indigenous culture, was marked by chants, gestures and symbolic rituals that reflected New Zealand’s rich heritage and traditions. Modi emphasised that the powhiri was a moving experience and a testament to the country’s respect for cultural continuity.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the ceremonial welcome accorded to him at the start of his engagements in New Zealand. He noted that the warmth and respect shown by the hosts had left a deep impression on him.

Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon. During the discussions, Modi hailed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He thanked Luxon for concluding the pact in a remarkably short span, calling it a global first in terms of speed and efficiency.

PM Modi underscored the significance of his visit, noting that it was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. He said the occasion had infused new momentum into the relationship and reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to deepening their partnership.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hold the event in Auckland, New Zealand’s economic capital, which he described as a chance to strengthen ties further.

The Prime Minister highlighted the warmth shown by the people of New Zealand towards India, describing it as deeply moving. He characterised the visit as a defining moment in bilateral ties, one that revitalises the relationship and reaffirms the commitment to friendship. Modi recalled that the FTA process had begun during Luxon’s visit to India, and praised the united effort of New Zealand in bringing the agreement to fruition in record time.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to Luxon’s leadership, his government and his team for achieving this milestone. Modi stressed that India and New Zealand are natural partners, bound by shared democratic values and close cooperation as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. He expressed confidence that both countries could make a meaningful contribution to global peace, stability and security.

Later in the day, Modi is scheduled to interact with prominent business and sports personalities. Reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations, he will also address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Modi had arrived in Auckland on Friday, where he was warmly greeted by Prime Minister Luxon. The visit is taking place at Luxon’s invitation and marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and New Zealand.

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