India-New Zealand FTA to deepen ties, says Modi on historic Auckland visit

Auckland,UPDATED: Jul 11, 2026 09:00 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the landmark India-New Zealand free trade agreement would add depth and dynamism to bilateral economic ties and create fresh opportunities in market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility. Speaking to a select group of CEOs and business leaders, he said a stronger economic partnership between the two countries would benefit businesses, innovators and young people.

Modi made the remarks shortly after wide-ranging talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, which produced 18 key outcomes, including the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. He said the two countries' shared democratic values, diversity and commitment to sustainable development provided a strong base for an ambitious and forward-looking economic partnership.

The prime minister said India and New Zealand had taken a historic decision to elevate their relationship to the level of strategic partnership. "Under this, we will move forward in every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes," he said. He also described the free trade agreement as a "landmark" initiative that would deepen economic engagement between the two sides.

Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday on the final leg of his three-nation tour, which has largely focused on expanding economic and security cooperation. It is the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister in 40 years and comes after the recent finalisation of the free trade agreement.

Addressing the business leaders, Modi said India's sustained high growth, young and skilled workforce, expanding middle class, digital revolution, push for next-generation infrastructure and continuing economic reforms offered significant trade and investment opportunities for New Zealand companies. He said political stability and sustained growth had positioned India as a significant contributor to global growth.

He invited New Zealand investors and business houses to partner with India in infrastructure development, civil aviation, logistics, clean energy, urban mobility, water management, waste management and the digital economy. Referring to India's start-up ecosystem, he called for closer engagement between the private sectors of both countries in innovation, fintech and emerging technologies.

Modi said New Zealand's strengths in dairy science, horticulture and forestry, along with India's consumer market, food parks and agri-tech talent, should come together to build global food value chains. He also urged business leaders to expand investment and commercial partnerships and help achieve the target of doubling bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion, around Rs 35,000 crore, by 2030.

The prime minister said the India-New Zealand economic partnership could become a model for inclusive and sustainable trade as well as a platform for innovation and prosperity, underlining the wider scope of the strategic partnership announced after his talks with Luxon.

With PTI Inputs

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