Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark achievement that would transform bilateral economic relations and significantly boost trade and investment between the two nations. Addressing business leaders during his official visit to Auckland, Modi expressed confidence that the agreement would help double bilateral trade by 2030 while creating fresh opportunities for businesses, investors and professionals from both countries.
The visit is widely regarded as historic, as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly four decades. Modi held extensive discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to elevating bilateral ties into a strategic partnership.
FTA to Open New Economic Opportunities
Speaking at the India-New Zealand Business Event, Prime Minister Modi praised the swift conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement, noting that the negotiations were completed in a record nine months. He thanked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for his leadership and commitment in bringing the agreement to fruition.
Modi said the FTA reflects the shared determination of both governments to strengthen economic cooperation. According to him, the agreement will improve market access, encourage greater investment, expand trade in services and enhance cooperation in emerging sectors such as technology and innovation. He also said the agreement would benefit businesses of all sizes and generate employment opportunities in both countries.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India and New Zealand have complementary economies and significant untapped potential that can now be unlocked through closer economic engagement.
Strategic Partnership Gets a Major Boost
During delegation-level talks in Auckland, India and New Zealand announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The move is expected to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, maritime security, education, agriculture, clean energy and digital technologies.
Both leaders agreed to work under a Roadmap to 2030 that outlines long-term goals for strengthening cooperation and expanding engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials from both countries also exchanged several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse areas of collaboration.
Investment and Business Cooperation in Focus
Economic cooperation remained the central theme of Modi’s engagements in Auckland. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s rapid economic growth, digital transformation and manufacturing expansion while inviting New Zealand businesses to participate in India’s development journey.
He also welcomed investment commitments announced during the visit and said stronger private-sector collaboration would help both nations achieve higher economic growth. Modi stressed that innovation, startups, technology partnerships and sustainable development would become key pillars of future cooperation.
Business leaders from both countries discussed opportunities in agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, logistics, education, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
Warm Cultural Welcome and Community Connect
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a traditional Māori pōwhiri ceremonial welcome at Government House in Auckland. Calling the ceremony deeply moving, he said it reflected New Zealand’s rich indigenous traditions and cultural heritage.
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Modi also appreciated the contribution of the Indian diaspora in strengthening ties between the two nations. Addressing members of the Indian community, he praised their role in promoting cultural understanding and enhancing economic cooperation between India and New Zealand.
Historic Significance of the Visit
The visit carries special diplomatic significance because it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in approximately 40 years. Analysts believe it signals India’s growing engagement with partners in the Indo-Pacific region while reflecting New Zealand’s increasing interest in expanding ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the visit as a historic milestone and welcomed the decision to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to democracy, regional stability and rules-based international cooperation.
Road Ahead
The successful conclusion of the India-New Zealand FTA, combined with the announcement of a Strategic Partnership and the Roadmap to 2030, is expected to redefine bilateral relations in the coming years. With enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, technology, education and investment, both countries aim to build a stronger and more resilient partnership.
Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the new initiatives announced during the visit would create lasting benefits for businesses, students, professionals and citizens of both nations while contributing to greater prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
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