PM Modi Says India-New Zealand Defence Ties Reflect Deep Strategic Trust

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the growing defence and security cooperation between India and New Zealand reflects the deep strategic trust shared by the two nations.

Addressing a gala lunch hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, PM Modi announced that both countries had also agreed on a framework for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific under their newly elevated Strategic Partnership.

Thanking PM Luxon for the warm welcome, PM Modi said the visit marked a new chapter in bilateral ties and the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. He added that elevating relations to a Strategic Partnership would strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Prime Minister welcomed progress on the proposed Free Trade Agreement, saying it would benefit businesses, farmers and young people while helping double bilateral trade over the next five years.

PM Modi also welcomed New Zealand’s commitment to invest 20 billion dollars in India. He further said both countries would expand cooperation in fintech by linking India’s UPI with New Zealand’s payment systems, while strengthening partnerships in agriculture, dairy, food processing and traditional medicine.

PM Modi said the defence agreement signed this year had strengthened bilateral cooperation, while a new maritime framework would boost naval exercises and coordination in the Indo-Pacific. He also praised the Indian community, welcomed the cultural cooperation MoU, highlighted collaboration in education and sports, reaffirmed support for global peace and counter-terrorism, and extended Matariki greetings to the people of New Zealand.

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