PM Modi Calls New Zealand Visit Historic Milestone
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described his visit to New Zealand as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, highlighting the recently signed free trade agreement and expanding cooperation in defence, education, technology and mobility.
Modi Begins Historic New Zealand Visit
Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for a two-day official visit, becoming the first Indian prime minister to travel to New Zealand in four decades.
He was received by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks focused on trade, investment, defence cooperation, education, innovation and stronger people-to-people ties.
Modi said the visit reflected the growing momentum in relations between the two Indo-Pacific nations and would help elevate their partnership to a higher level.
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement
The visit follows the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi on April 27, 2026.
Under the agreement, New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all Indian exports, providing greater market access for sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, marine products and processed food.
India will remove or reduce tariffs covering approximately 95% of New Zealand’s exports. Around 57% of those exports are expected to receive tariff-free access from the first day after the agreement comes into force.
Sensitive Indian agricultural sectors, including dairy, remain protected under the deal.
Trade and Defence Cooperation in Focus
The agreement also includes a New Zealand commitment to facilitate investments worth $20 billion in India over 15 years.
Both countries are expected to explore cooperation in renewable energy, critical technologies, agriculture, tourism, education and skilled-worker mobility.
Defence and maritime security will also feature prominently in the talks as India and New Zealand seek closer coordination across the Indo-Pacific region.
The trade agreement must complete the required domestic ratification process before it becomes operational.
