Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Saturday held wide-ranging bilateral talks in Auckland, agreeing to elevate India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership and setting an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Prime Minister Modi was accorded a traditional Māori welcome on his arrival at Government House, where the ceremony featured customary Māori rituals symbolising peace, respect and welcome. Following the ceremonial reception, he inspected the Guard of Honour.
The two leaders held extensive discussions in both restricted and delegation-level formats, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, defence and security, agri-tech, sports, education, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations, and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
“The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations.”
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon also underscored the importance of the early implementation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), describing it as a key step towards strengthening economic engagement between the two countries.
The two sides set a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, reflecting their shared commitment to expanding commercial and investment ties.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums.
Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and other agreements covering defence and maritime security, hydrography, sports, disaster management, dairy, tourism, maritime heritage, culture, food technology and ocean research.
A Joint Statement outlining the future roadmap for the bilateral partnership was also adopted by the two leaders, reaffirming their shared vision for closer cooperation across strategic, economic and people-centric sectors.
Thanking Prime Minister Luxon for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and the Indian delegation, Prime Minister Modi invited his New Zealand counterpart to visit India.
