Live: PM Modi's Landmark Visit to New Zealand; Bilateral Ties Upgraded to Strategic Level

During a media briefing regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official trip to New Zealand, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon mentioned that an interaction was held between the business leaders of both countries. This meeting was followed by a grand gala lunch with several notable figures from Auckland in attendance. He described the schedule so far as highly engaging and active.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested multiple ways to enhance economic and trade partnerships with New Zealand during a meeting with business representatives in Auckland, marking economic cooperation as a major pillar of his visit. Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in the MEA, spoke at a special press briefing about the PM's visit, noting that trade relations were a central theme of the talks. Tandon stated that deep discussions are planned to advance economic collaboration. He added that the Prime Minister held detailed talks with corporate leaders today, offering various recommendations to accelerate commercial exchanges between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited an exhibition on Saturday, July 11, 2026, featuring New Zealand's cutting-edge sports gear and technology. Some of the host country's top athletes and sports legends demonstrated the equipment during the event. Currently on the last stop of his three-country tour, Modi's trip is historic as it marks the first time in four decades that an Indian prime minister has visited New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accompanied him during the tour of this sports innovation display.

A joint statement issued by India and New Zealand revealed that their new agreement encompasses closer military collaboration, including naval drills, alongside expanded cooperation in commerce, diplomacy, cultural activities, sports, and scientific research. Both governments emphasized their mutual goal of maintaining a peaceful, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific region. Following the bilateral discussions, Prime Minister Luxon informed journalists that the two sides briefly touched upon the recent missile test conducted by China. However, he avoided answering whether the deepening alliance between Wellington and New Delhi is aimed at countering Beijing's regional influence.

Key decisions from the bilateral talks include an agreement to initiate a yearly Maritime Security Dialogue, which will be guided by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). In addition to launching this annual security dialogue, the two nations resolved to activate the Memorandum of Arrangement that sets up a Joint Working Group (JWG) focused on countering terrorism, while also boosting interaction via the India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue. According to the Joint Statement, India appreciated New Zealand's decision to designate maritime security as its key focus area under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Both countries agreed that the new annual talks would bolster communication, strategic coordination, and data sharing.

Following the upgrade of their ties to a Strategic Partnership, India and New Zealand on Saturday, July 11, 2026, introduced a comprehensive agenda titled "India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030." This plan serves as an extensive plan to substantially boost defense and security ties over the upcoming four years. Approved during the bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, this roadmap focuses heavily on cyber defense, counter-terrorism, and maritime security under its Pillar II program. Additionally, both nations decided to maintain their military engagements through joint drills, deployments of naval, land, and air units, exchange programs for personnel, sports events, defense staff college interactions, and high-level defense talks. They also pledged to expand communication on defense issues, including ministerial discussions.

Declaring a massive advancement in defense relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India and New Zealand have pledged to combat terrorism in close cooperation by launching a specialized Joint Working Group. They also reinforced their commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and pursuing extensive structural reforms within the United Nations. Speaking at a grand lunch hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, Modi pointed out that both democracies are dependable allies well-equipped to tackle modern international problems in tandem. Modi remarked that India and New Zealand are trusted friends on the world stage. He stressed that adapting global bodies like the UN is essential to meet contemporary challenges. To coordinate efforts against terror, they have set up a Joint Working Group, while highlighting that bilateral partnership is vital for maintaining security, peace, and order in the Indo-Pacific.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted today that India has successfully pulled 250 million citizens out of poverty under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also mentioned that the Indian middle class has grown to 440 million and is on track to hit 750 million by 2030. During his address at a corporate and sports networking gathering in Auckland, Luxon described these statistics as a remarkable change, attributing them to India's sustained growth over the past ten years. Luxon expressed admiration for how Modi's governance facilitated lifting 250 million individuals out of poverty, creating a massive middle class that is expected to reach 750 million within this decade, which he characterized as an extraordinary shift.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized how cricket serves as an enduring connection between India and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of the recently finalized Sports Joint Action Plan. While speaking at a Gala Lunch organized in Auckland to honor Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Luxon recalled his fond memories of playing street cricket with children from the STAIRS Foundation during his state visit to India in March of the previous year.

Prime Minister Modi proposed exploring whether young business leaders under 35 years old from India and New Zealand could exchange visits. He noted that this initiative would play a vital role in grooming the next generation of industry leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Kiwi business executives to participate in the Indian government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) programs. These initiatives offer financial support worth around $20 billion across 14 diverse industries, including textiles and food processing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today that commerce between India and New Zealand has expanded by over 50% during the past three years. He expressed optimism that the newly finalized Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would serve as a launchpad to double this trade volume over the upcoming five years. Speaking at the Gala Lunch organized by his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in Auckland, Modi also expressed appreciation for New Zealand's commitment to invest $20 billion in India, stating it would offer fresh avenues for Kiwi firms to become key stakeholders in India's long-term economic expansion.

Narendra Modi's official journey to New Zealand represents the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in forty years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted today that the historic free trade agreement between India and New Zealand is set to bring greater depth and energy to their economic partnership. He added that the pact would pave the way for enhanced market access, investment channels, and professional mobility. During a discussion with prominent CEOs and corporate executives, Modi stressed that the mutual democratic principles, cultural diversity, and focus on sustainable progress shared by both nations create a solid platform for a progressive, future-ready partnership.

Commending the cultural connection between India and New Zealand's native population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed today that the common principles of environmental respect, social cohesion, and sustainability shared by India and the Maori community could set a new benchmark for inclusive international commerce. Speaking at the Business and Sports Engagement event held in Auckland, Modi offered special thanks to Maori business figures and pointed out that specific benefits have been designed for them in the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have urged for structural, courageous, and efficient changes within the UN. The two leaders also expressed their joint backing for expanding the UN Security Council.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon expressed deep concern over the fresh surge of hostilities in West Asia. A joint statement released by the two leaders urged all sides involved in the West Asian conflict to show restraint, reduce hostilities, and prioritize the safety of non-combatants.