Auckland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday unveiled an ambitious India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties across trade, defence, education and the Indo-Pacific.
PM Modi’s visit to New Zealand—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years—came during the final leg of his three-nation tour, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Following bilateral talks, the two leaders announced several initiatives aimed at deepening strategic, economic and people-to-people ties.
1. India and New Zealand elevate ties to Strategic Partnership
The biggest outcome of the visit was the decision to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders endorsed the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030, which will serve as the framework for expanding cooperation over the next four years. The roadmap outlines plans to strengthen existing collaboration while identifying new opportunities for engagement at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
2. Push to strengthen Indo-Pacific cooperation
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that stronger India-New Zealand ties would contribute to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on regional security, maritime collaboration and shared strategic interests, reflecting the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific in both countries’ foreign policy priorities.
3. Focus on boosting trade through FTA
The two Prime Ministers reviewed progress on the proposed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which were launched during Christopher Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025.
With bilateral trade currently valued at around $2.25 billion, both sides expressed confidence that the FTA and a near tariff-free trade environment would significantly boost trade and investment in the coming years.
4. Expansion of cooperation across key sectors
Building on agreements signed during Luxon’s India visit, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in several strategic sectors.
These include:
- Defence
- Education
- Customs
- Horticulture
- Forestry
- Sports
The leaders agreed to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms and explore new areas of collaboration to support long-term economic and technological partnerships.
5. Strengthening business and people-to-people ties
During the visit, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Government House, addressed business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora, and witnessed a showcase of New Zealand’s sporting innovation.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of stronger business engagement, cultural exchanges and educational partnerships in further strengthening bilateral relations.
Landmark visit after four decades
PM Modi’s visit marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, underscoring the renewed momentum in bilateral ties.
The visit builds on Christopher Luxon’s India trip earlier this year and reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across economic, strategic and regional issues.
Conclusion
The elevation of India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership and the launch of the Roadmap to 2030 signal a new chapter in bilateral relations. With greater focus on trade, Indo-Pacific cooperation and sectoral partnerships, both countries aim to deepen engagement and unlock new opportunities over the coming years.