PM Modi in New Zealand LIVE: India, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership

The Hindu

PoliticsThe Hindu·Jul 11, 2026·8 min read

PM Modi in New Zealand LIVE: India, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Auckland last night in the third and final leg of his three-nation tour that largely focused on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region

Updated - July 11, 2026 11:39 am IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the India-New Zealand business event, in New Zealand on July 11, 2026.

| Photo Credit:

PTI

India and New Zealand on Saturday (July 11, 2026) elevated their ties to a strategic partnership and set a five-year target to double their annual bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore by 2030 following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon.

Also read | India, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership; target ₹35,000 crore trade by 2030

The meeting yielded 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements. Key among them were a roadmap to expand ties in the next four years, a framework for enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.

Mr. Modi landed in Auckland last night in the third and final leg of his three-nation tour that largely focused on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Also read | What is the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement? | Explained

The visit came following the recent signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Follow the LIVE updates here:

Watch | MEA briefing on outcomes of PM Modi's New Zealand visit

July 11, 2026 11:39

PM Modi tours New Zealand sports innovation showcase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (July 11, 2026) toured an exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s innovative sports equipment and technologies, demonstrated by some of the country’s leading athletes and sporting icons.

Mr. Modi is in New Zealand on the final leg of his three-nation visit. This is the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister in 40 years.

He was joined by his Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon at the sports equipment showcase.

July 11, 2026 11:03

The two countries 'quickly canvassed' Chinese missile test: PM Luxon

The India-New Zealand pact covers tighter defence cooperation, including with naval exercises, as well as stronger ties in trade, diplomacy, culture, sport and science, the two countries said in a joint statement.

Their nations have a shared interest in a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific”, they said.

The two countries “quickly canvassed” the Chinese missile test, PM Luxon told reporters in a briefing after the talks.

He skirted a question about whether closer New Zealand-India ties would curb Beijing’s ambitions in the region.

AFP

July 11, 2026 10:49

Memorandum of Arrangement on India-New Zealand maritime cooperation

As part of the list of outcomes, both nations have agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) of New Zealand.

The two countries also agreed to “establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue” and “operationalise the Memorandum of Arrangement establishing a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism,” while enhancing cooperation through the India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue.

The Joint Statement further said India welcomed New Zealand’s nomination of Maritime Security as its priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, while both countries agreed to “establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination and information exchange.”

PMO

July 11, 2026 10:46

'India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030' unveiled

Following the formal elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, India and New Zealand on Saturday (July 11, 2026) unveiled the comprehensive “India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030,” establishing a robust blueprint to significantly deepen defence and security cooperation over the next four years.

The landmark roadmap, endorsed during the high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in Auckland, places a heavy emphasis on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and cyber defence under its critical Pillar II framework.

The two countries also agreed to “continue to pursue military interaction via exercises, visits of units (maritime, air, land), short-term personnel exchanges, sporting visits, defence staff college exchanges, and high-level defence dialogues” and “continue to enhance dialogue on defence-related matters, including at the Ministerial level.”

ANI

July 11, 2026 10:24

Move forward shoulder to shoulder on issue of terrorism: PM Modi

Announcing a major leap in security cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India and New Zealand have resolved to fight terrorism “shoulder to shoulder” by establishing a dedicated Joint Working Group, while simultaneously strengthening their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and comprehensive reforms in the United Nations.

Addressing a Gala Lunch hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, Mr. Modi highlighted that the two nations stand as reliable partners capable of navigating contemporary global challenges together.

“Friends, on the global stage as well, India and New Zealand are reliable partners and close friends. We believe that to face the challenges of the current times, reform is necessary in global institutions, including the UN. To move forward shoulder to shoulder on the issue of terrorism, we have formed a Joint Working Group today. Cooperation between India and New Zealand is extremely important for peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr. Modi said.

- ANI

July 11, 2026 10:21

PM Luxon hails India's transformation under PM Modi

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today said 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the country’s middle class now at 440 million and projected to reach 750 million by the end of the decade.Speaking at one business and sports engagement event in Auckland, Mr. Luxon called the numbers “an incredible transformation” and linked it directly to the last decade of growth in India.“And it’s interesting to me that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, he has lifted 250 million people out of poverty. There is now 440 million people in the middle class, about to be 750 million by the end of the decade, and it is an incredible transformation,” he said.

- ANI

July 11, 2026 10:08

Cricket will always be a special connection: New Zealand PM Luxon

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted cricket’s enduring role in strengthening ties between India and New Zealand, while underlining the significance of the newly agreed Sports Joint Action Plan between the two countries.Speaking at the ‘Gala Lunch’ event hosted by the Kiwi Prime Minister in honour of his Indian counterpart, PM Modi, in Auckland, PM Luxon reflected on his experience of playing gully cricket with children from the STAIRS Foundation during his official visit to India in March last year.

- ANI

July 11, 2026 09:54

MEA enumerates ouctomes of PM Modi's visit to New Zealand

July 11, 2026 09:43

PM Modi asks for business delegations under-35 to visit both countries

PM Modi has asked if it would be possible for a delegation of businessmen under the age of 35 from both countries to visit each other. He added that such a move would help prepare the younger generation.

- The Hindu Bureau

July 11, 2026 09:39

PM Modi outlines plans for trade collaboration

PM Modi has invited business leaders from New Zealand to invest in the Production Linked Incentive schemes of the Union government through which, approximately $20 billion in support is being provided across 14 sectors, from food processing to textiles.

- The Hindu Bureau

July 11, 2026 09:29

More than 50% trade growth in 3 years, says PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that bilateral trade between India and New Zealand has grown by more than 50% in the last three years and expressed confidence that the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would provide the foundation to double trade over the next five years.Addressing the Gala Lunch hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, Mr. Modi also welcomed New Zealand’s $20 billion investment commitment in India, saying it would create new opportunities for New Zealand companies to become long-term partners in India’s growth story.

- ANI

July 11, 2026 09:26

First Indian PM to visit New Zealand in 40 years

Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand marks the first visit of an Indian PM to New Zealand in 40 years.

- PMO

July 11, 2026 09:22

India-N.Z. free trade pact to inject 'depth and dynamism' into economic ties: PM Modi

The landmark India-New Zealand free trade agreement would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties and open new opportunities for market access, investment and talent mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

In an interaction with a select group of CEOs and business leaders, PM Modi emphasised that the two nations’ shared democratic values, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development provide a robust foundation for an ambitious, forward-looking economic partnership.

- PTI

July 11, 2026 09:19

PM Modi praises Maori business leaders in New Zealand

Lauding the cultural synergy between India and the indigenous community of New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the shared values of respect for nature, community, and sustainability between India and the Maori people can pave the way for a unique model of inclusive global trade.Delivering his address at the Business and Sports Engagement event in Auckland, PM Modi expressed special gratitude to Maori business leaders and highlighted that special provisions have been carved out for them in the newly concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

- ANI

July 11, 2026 09:18

Prime Ministers call for 'bold and effective' UN reform

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon call for a ‘bold and effective’ UN reform.

They also affirm support for the expansion of the UN Security Council.

- PTI

July 11, 2026 09:14

PM Modi, Luxon express concern over escalations in West Asia war

PM Narendra Modi and Kiwi counterpart Christopher Luxon express concern over renewed escalation of tensions in West Asia.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Luxon urge all parties in West Asia to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians: joint statement.

- PTI

July 11, 2026 09:11

PM Narendra Modi participates in India–New Zealand Business Event

July 11, 2026 09:09

PM Modi participates in a Gala lunch hosted by New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon

July 11, 2026 09:06

India, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership; target ₹35,000 crore trade by 2030

India and New Zealand strengthen ties as strategic partners, aiming for ₹35,000 crore trade by 2030.

Published - July 11, 2026 09:06 am IST

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