Modi to Visit New Zealand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to New Zealand next week on his first official visit to the country, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. The visit comes just months after India and New Zealand signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April, which is expected to be the central focus of discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Luxon described the visit as historic, saying India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a key partner in New Zealand’s future economic growth. The leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology and regional security.
Under the FTA, New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on all Indian exports, while India will gradually remove duties on nearly 95 per cent of New Zealand exports. Both governments believe the agreement will increase bilateral trade, create employment opportunities and encourage greater business collaboration.
The two leaders are also expected to review cooperation in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, tourism, digital technologies and skilled workforce mobility. Strategic issues, including Indo-Pacific cooperation, maritime security, climate change and disaster resilience, are also on the agenda.
Officials said the visit would provide fresh momentum to India–New Zealand ties, strengthening both economic and strategic partnerships while opening new avenues for long-term cooperation across multiple sectors.
