Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to New Zealand on July 10-11, 2026, marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades. This historic trip follows the April 2026 Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand, eliminating 95% of tariffs on New Zealand goods.
During his stay in Auckland, PM Modi is expected to engage in discussions covering trade, investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport, and global issues. The visit aims to deepen bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed enthusiasm about the visit, emphasizing its significance in strengthening the partnership between the two nations. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in rebuilding a rules-based international system, noting the need to include voices from the Global South, such as India and Brazil.
Community leaders in New Zealand have also shown strong support for PM Modi's visit, viewing it as a crucial step in enhancing bilateral ties. The visit is anticipated to foster closer engagement between the two countries, with a focus on economic cooperation, defense, and people-to-people connections.
This visit underscores the growing importance of India-New Zealand relations and sets the stage for future collaborations in various sectors.