Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held extensive bilateral talks in Auckland on Saturday, agreeing to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and setting a target to double bilateral trade by 2030, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Talks Cover Full Spectrum of Relations
The two leaders met at Government House in Auckland, where PM Modi received a traditional Maori welcome featuring rituals symbolising peace, respect and welcome, followed by an inspection of a Guard of Honour. Discussions were held in both restricted and delegation-level formats, covering trade and investment, defence and security, agri-tech, sports, education, tourism, culture and people-to-people ties.
According to the MEA, the bilateral talks covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to elevate the relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest and underscored the importance of the early implementation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. They also agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments and reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora. Following the talks, the leaders witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and understandings in the fields of defence and maritime security, hydrography, sports, disaster management, dairy, tourism, maritime heritage, culture, food technology and ocean research.
A Joint Statement outlining the future direction of the bilateral partnership was also adopted. PM Modi thanked PM Luxon for his warmth and hospitality and invited him to visit India.
18 Outcomes Across Multiple Sectors
PM Modi's visit to New Zealand resulted in 18 outcomes in myriad sectors ranging from maritime to terrorism. PM Modi said that this has been a great year for the India-New Zealand partnership. He is on a two-day official visit to New Zealand from July 10-11 at the invitation of PM Luxon, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
