Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to travel to New Zealand, with the visit potentially scheduled for July, as per local reports. Both India and New Zealand had earlier hinted at the arrangements being made for PM Modi’s inaugural trip to the country, Radio New Zealand disclosed. New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, when questioned about PM Modi’s possible July visit, hinted at a forthcoming confirmation.
Last month, India and New Zealand inked a significant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi, eliminating tariffs on all of India’s exports to New Zealand and substantially reducing or eliminating tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s imports from India. The pact was formalized in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and his New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay.
In the preceding year, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon journeyed to India for a five-day official visit. During this visit, Luxon participated in the 10th Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest and engaged in discussions with PM Modi on various facets of India-New Zealand relations. PM Modi expressed delight in welcoming Luxon to Delhi, emphasizing the importance of the bilateral ties and the productive discussions held between the leaders.
PM Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also visited the historic Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in New Delhi, demonstrating their respect for the religious and cultural heritage of the Sikh community. The diplomatic relations between India and New Zealand, established in 1952, are characterized by warm and friendly ties. The two nations share commonalities such as membership in the Commonwealth, adherence to common law practices, and a joint pursuit of economic development and prosperity through democratic governance systems, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
