Luxon and Modi agree on partnership with trade and maritime security ambitions

The prime ministers of India and New Zealand have "elevated" the relationship of the two countries into a strategic partnership, with ambitions to double trade and bolster maritime security by 2030.

Christopher Luxon and Narendra Modi agreed to a 'Roadmap to 2030', which features a number of commitments to improve investment, technology, maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture, community and trade.

The agreement was struck on Saturday morning after Modi was welcomed by Christoper Luxon at Government House in Auckland.

Modi accepted the wero, or challenge, laid by members of the New Zealand Defence Force before accompanying Luxon to inspect New Zealand's Honour Guard.

It's the first time an Indian prime minister has visited New Zealand in 40 years.

Both prime ministers and representatives from their governments gathered in the dining room for a formal bilateral meeting.

Among those at the formal ceremony was Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Defence Minister Chris Penk, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

One notable absentee was Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who is visiting Singapore and Japan.

Luxon says the strategic partnership is a "major step" in the relationship between New Zealand and India, and signalled their ambition to "do more together".

In a joint statement, both prime ministers agreed to combat transnational and organised crime, including illicit drug trafficking, financial crime, cyber-enabled crime, terrorism-related offences, people smuggling and human trafficking.

The roadmap includes seven pillars, with political and diplomatic engagement, defence and security cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation making up the first three pillars respectively.

On defence, both governments want to deepen their maritime defence ties including a commitment to conduct naval activities such as bilateral naval exercises and engage on cyber security priorities.

The roadmap includes a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement (MCA) between the New Zealand and Indian defence forces.

"New Zealand's prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific," Luxon said.

"That's why we are stepping up practical cooperation at sea and deepening how we work together and share perspectives on maritime security."

The roadmap has no financial commitments and does not create any legally binding rights or obligations.

Modi arrived at Auckland Airport late Friday night and will meet with prominent business and sports personalities on Saturday afternoon.