Historic New Zealand Visit Will Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for personally receiving him at Auckland Airport as he arrived for the final leg of his three-nation tour.

In his X statement, PM Modi described the visit as historic, noting that it marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to comprehensive discussions with PM Luxon on the full spectrum of India-New Zealand relations. He also announced that he would address a community event in Auckland.

Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport.

This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades. I look forward to holding talks with Prime Minister Luxon and discussing the… pic.twitter.com/qhUfkaFfHF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 10, 2026

Prime Minister Modi arrived in New Zealand after concluding his three-day visit to Australia.

PM Luxon welcomed him with a warm embrace at the airport in a special diplomatic gesture.

India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, and other senior officials also received the Prime Minister.

In his X statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit would strengthen bilateral ties and create fresh opportunities for cooperation in trade, defence, sports, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. He described the visit as a landmark moment in the relationship between the two countries.

Kia Ora New Zealand!

Prime Minister @narendramodi arrived in Auckland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. In a special gesture, he was received by PM @chrisluxonmp at the airport in Auckland.

This historic visit is set to strengthen… pic.twitter.com/eBENHyaExa

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 10, 2026

During the visit, PM Modi and PM Luxon will review the entire bilateral partnership, which has recorded notable progress over the past two years, particularly in trade, commerce and defence.

The Prime Minister will also meet leading business and sports personalities and interact with the Indian diaspora.

The visit follows PM Luxon’s India visit in March 2025, when he met PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

India and New Zealand established diplomatic relations in 1952 and continue to strengthen ties through shared democratic values, Commonwealth membership, common law traditions and mutual aspirations for economic growth and prosperity.