Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for a two-day visit to New Zealand, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour.
In a special diplomatic gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally received him at the airport.
The two leaders greeted each other with a warm embrace, while India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, and senior officials welcomed the Prime Minister.
PM Luxon shared a video of the arrival on X, writing, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister @narendramodi.”
Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/NlY0POBBaD
— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) July 10, 2026
This marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.
PM Modi travelled to Auckland after completing his three-day visit to Australia.
During the visit, PM Modi will hold comprehensive talks with PM Luxon to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
Both leaders will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, commerce and defence, areas that have witnessed notable progress over the past two years, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Prime Minister will also interact with leading business and sports personalities before addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora.
Earlier, New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay described the visit as a landmark moment following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. He said New Zealanders, particularly the Indian-origin community, eagerly awaited PM Modi’s arrival.
The visit follows PM Luxon’s India tour 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 legal traditions and a common commitment to economic growth and prosperity.
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