PM Modi arrives in New Zealand on final leg of Indo-Pacific tour, to hold talks with Luxon

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Auckland, New Zealand, marking the final stop on his three-nation Indo-Pacific tour. The visit prioritizes strengthening economic and security cooperation with key regional partners amidst global geopolitical shifts. Modi's arrival follows productive engagements in Indonesia and Australia, where India secured substantial agreements, including the supply of BrahMos and Astra missiles to Indonesia and a landmark deal for long-term uranium supplies with Australia.

In New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with his counterpart, Christopher Luxon, at Government House in Auckland. The discussions will focus on bilateral relations and the evolving regional landscape. The agenda also includes sports and business engagements, culminating in Modi's participation in an event for the Indian community. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first by an Indian premier to New Zealand in 40 years, occurring shortly after the signing of a new free trade agreement (FTA).

The FTA between India and New Zealand is poised to significantly boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at $2.25 billion. Both nations have set an ambitious target to double their trade in goods and services by 2030. The agreement includes provisions for substantial investment, with plans for $20 billion in Indian investments over the next 15 years, further solidifying the economic partnership. New Zealand, keen to diversify its economy away from over-reliance on the Chinese market, sees this FTA as a crucial step.

Beyond trade, India is looking to leverage New Zealand's expertise in research and development, particularly in sectors like dairying, agriculture, and high-performance sports. New Zealand is also initiating action plans for its agricultural exports, such as kiwi fruit, apples, and honey, in India, and plans to establish centers of excellence for kiwi fruit cultivation. The significant Indian diaspora in New Zealand, numbering around 300,000, plays an active role in the country's politics and business landscape, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.