Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held bilateral talks in Auckland, agreeing to elevate India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership.
The meeting marked a historic milestone as PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official visit to New Zealand in 40 years.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi thanked PM Luxon for personally welcoming him at the airport, describing it as a special gesture that reflected the warmth and friendship between the two nations. He said hosting the visit in Auckland had given fresh momentum to bilateral ties and expressed confidence that it would open a new chapter in the relationship.
The Prime Minister said the affection shown by the people of New Zealand, particularly the Indian community, had made the visit deeply memorable. He described the occasion as a historic moment that would inject new energy into the friendship and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Referring to PM Luxon’s visit to India earlier this year, PM Modi welcomed the rapid progress on negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He said the swift advancement of the discussions reflected the shared commitment of both governments to expanding economic cooperation and boosting trade and investment.
Recalling PM Luxon’s visit to India during last year’s Holi celebrations, PM Modi said the festival had added new colours to the bilateral relationship, symbolising friendship, harmony and togetherness.
Welcoming the Strategic Partnership, PM Modi said it would strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Calling India and New Zealand ‘natural partners’ that are ‘made for each other’, the Prime Minister said both nations would deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation and promote global peace.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of several MoUs to expand collaboration across key sectors.
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