India, New Zealand Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership as PM Modi Holds Historic Talks with PM Luxon

Auckland, July 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Saturday agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand ties during the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades.

The landmark meeting in Auckland underscored the shared commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, security, education, technology, maritime affairs and people-to-people exchanges. Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a historic milestone that would inject fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship and open new avenues for long-term collaboration.

Welcoming the progress achieved in recent years, PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Luxon for the warm hospitality extended to him, particularly the personal gesture of receiving him at Auckland Airport on Friday evening.

“Your coming to the airport to receive me was a very special gesture. I sincerely thank you for that. Your ministers remained with me throughout the visit, reflecting the warmth and importance New Zealand attaches to our partnership,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister noted that his visit carries special significance as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, describing it as a defining moment in bilateral relations.

“It is a matter of great happiness that after four decades an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand. The manner in which you have organised these engagements has created fresh energy and new momentum in our relationship. I am grateful for your efforts,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the enthusiastic welcome he received from the Indian diaspora and the people of New Zealand, Modi said the affection shown towards India made the visit deeply emotional and memorable.

“The love and goodwill that the people of New Zealand have for India is truly heart-touching. Such warmth strengthens the bond between our nations and inspires us to work even harder to deepen our friendship,” he said.

One of the major outcomes of the summit was the decision to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, which both leaders believe will provide a stronger institutional framework for expanding cooperation in multiple sectors.

Expressing satisfaction over the development, PM Modi said the upgraded partnership would encourage both countries to pursue shared goals with greater confidence and determination.

“I am delighted that we are taking our relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership. This milestone will motivate both countries to move forward with renewed confidence, greater commitment and stronger cooperation,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the rapid progress made on negotiations for the proposed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), recalling that discussions had gathered momentum following Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to India.

“When you visited India, we initiated discussions on the Free Trade Agreement. In a remarkably short period, those discussions have translated into concrete progress, reflecting the seriousness with which both governments are working to strengthen economic ties,” Modi observed.

Recalling Luxon’s visit to India during the Holi festival last year, the Prime Minister used the colourful celebration as a metaphor for the evolving bilateral relationship.

“Your visit during Holi added new colours to our friendship. Holi represents harmony, unity and friendship, and those very values continue to guide India-New Zealand relations,” he said.

Emphasising the shared democratic traditions of both countries, Modi described India and New Zealand as “natural partners” with common values and complementary strengths.

“Our democratic ideals, openness and mutual respect make us natural partners. It is as though India and New Zealand are made for each other. Together we can contribute significantly to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” he stated.

As maritime democracies with shared interests in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, both nations agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security, regional connectivity and international forums.

Prime Minister Modi also stressed that India and New Zealand could work together to promote global peace and sustainable development.

“Our partnership is not limited to bilateral cooperation. Together, we can make meaningful contributions to global peace and security. By strengthening our collaboration, we can become catalysts for stability and progress in the wider international community,” he said.

Following the bilateral talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors aimed at enhancing collaboration in trade, education, innovation, technology and other areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in New Zealand on Friday as part of the final leg of his three-nation tour. His visit is expected to further strengthen political engagement, expand economic cooperation and reinforce the longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, setting the stage for a more comprehensive and forward-looking partnership in the years ahead.