Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon engaged in extensive discussions in Auckland, aiming to enhance the ties between India and New Zealand to a Strategic Partnership. The leaders reviewed collaboration in various sectors such as trade, defense, education, sports, and culture. They also oversaw the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding to strengthen bilateral relations.
During the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared insights into the discussions. Both Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon decided to upgrade their countries’ relationship to a Strategic Partnership, emphasizing cooperation in trade, defense, education, sports, and culture. They also deliberated on the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and exchanged perspectives on regional and global affairs.
The discussions culminated in the signing of several MoUs and collaborative agreements covering defense, disaster management, tourism, sports, and animal husbandry. These agreements further solidified the vibrant partnership between India and New Zealand. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Luxon for personally welcoming him at the airport, underscoring the warmth in the bilateral relationship.
Luxon highlighted the deepening economic ties between the two nations, particularly through the ongoing negotiations on the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. He emphasized the mutual commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and eliminating tariffs on a significant portion of goods traded between the two countries. Modi’s visit to New Zealand marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades, concluding his three-nation tour.
