Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to New Zealand, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years, has culminated in the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made the announcement during a gala lunch in Auckland on Saturday, hailing the deep cultural and economic alignment between the two nations.
Shared Stars and Shared Ambitions
Speaking at the event, Luxon noted that Modi's visit coincides with the Maori New Year, Matariki, known as Kritika in Indian tradition. "Though called by different names, we share the same stars and we share the same hope for prosperity and renewal," Luxon said, emphasizing the cultural connection that underpins the partnership.
The New Zealand PM acknowledged the indigenous Ngati Whatua Orakei people, who gifted land to establish Auckland. "Can I just acknowledge Ngati Whatua Orakei for their outstanding hosting of Matariki yesterday. But more importantly, can I thank them for their very generous gift of land that established this great city," he said.
Strategic Partnership Announced
Luxon announced that he and Modi had agreed to elevate the relationship to a Strategic Partnership, describing it as a significant step in an increasingly volatile world. "Strong partnerships are more important than ever before. This provides a stronger platform for practical cooperation in prosperity, security, and people-to-people connections," he said.
The partnership will deepen links in trade, investment, education, technology, sport, and tourism, and enable closer cooperation on defence, maritime security, and law enforcement. Luxon emphasized that the goal is to build a relationship that benefits both countries and delivers real results.
Free Trade Agreement Signed
The announcement follows the signing of a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in April, concluded after intensive negotiations led by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Todd McClay. Luxon noted the rapid progress since his visit to India last year, when he and Modi agreed to do more together.
"We launched free trade negotiations led by our great ministers Goyal and McClay, supported by negotiators from both countries. And consequently, in April, New Zealand and India signed a landmark free trade agreement," Luxon said.
India's Global Rise
Luxon praised India's ascent under Modi's leadership, calling it one of the world's fastest- and largest-growing economies and a major geopolitical player. "Under your leadership, Prime Minister Modi, India has become one of the world's fastest- and largest-growing economies. It is a major geopolitical player and an Indo-Pacific partner, known for its scale, its innovation, its ambition, and its strategic influence," he said.
He added that combining New Zealand's expertise in food production, education, and sustainability with India's massive scale can expand trade, attract investment, and support job creation.
Sports Joint Action Plan
Luxon also highlighted the newly agreed Sports Joint Action Plan, which will transform a shared passion into deeper cooperation across sports science, coaching, and youth development. "It will strengthen our connections in coaching, in youth sport, women's and girls' sports, high performance sports, science, technology, tourism and business," he said.
Role of the Diaspora
Luxon paid tribute to the Kiwi-Indian diaspora, describing them as the ultimate foundation of the relationship. "Indian New Zealanders have been and continue to be absolutely critical to New Zealand's success. Their impact is felt throughout New Zealand in business, education, health, technology, culture, sport and community life," he said.
He noted that through their energy, enterprise, and strong family connections, Kiwi Indians help both nations understand each other, building a foundation for a lasting relationship.
Looking Ahead
Luxon concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with Modi to further strengthen the partnership. "Prime Minister Modi, today we celebrate how far this relationship has come and where we take it next. When I visited India last year, you said our countries were ready to step up and build a winning partnership. Your words resonated very strongly with us. And since then, New Zealand and India have concluded the FTA, and today we announce the strategic partnership as the next foundation, the next stage of our relationship," he said.
