Modi concludes three-nation tour, elevates India-New Zealand ties to Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his three-nation tour, wrapping up a significant visit to New Zealand that elevated the countries' relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The trip, which also included stops in Indonesia and Australia, focused on strengthening cooperation across various sectors.

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A visit that deepened bonds, strengthened partnerships and shaped a shared future. After concluding substantive discussions and overseeing key set of outcomes in New Zealand, PM Narendra Modi departs for India.

In New Zealand, Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon agreed on an ambitious roadmap for bilateral cooperation through 2030. This partnership aims to deepen ties in trade, technology, security, education, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the visit's success in shaping a shared future and deepening bonds between the nations.

Key outcomes from the two-day New Zealand visit include 18 specific agreements. These span critical areas such as defense, maritime security, trade, disaster management, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, sports, science, and clean energy. Notably, a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Cooperation was signed to enhance dialogue and information sharing in the Indo-Pacific, alongside an Implementation Arrangement on Hydrography and Nautical Cartography.

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In a special gesture, he was seen off by PM Christopher Luxon at the airport.

Modi expressed optimism about the future of the India-New Zealand relationship, noting the recent Free Trade Agreement and the elevation to a Strategic Partnership. He stated a goal to double bilateral trade by 2030. The visit, the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years, concluded with Luxon personally seeing Modi off at the airport, a gesture described as special.

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This has been a great year for the India-New Zealand partnership. Earlier this year, our nations concluded a Free Trade Agreement in record time and now, we have elevated our ties to a Strategic Partnership. Next up, we wish to double bilateral trade by 2030!