PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with the PM of New Zealand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his three-nation tour on Saturday and departed for New Delhi after wrapping up his official engagements. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was at the airport to bid farewell to the Indian Prime Minister.
Earlier, PM Modi addressed the Indian community in Auckland, New Zealand, where he reflected on his first visit to the country nearly three decades ago, highlighted the growing India-New Zealand partnership and outlined areas of future cooperation ranging from sports and space to trade and innovation.
During his address, Modi shared a personal anecdote from his earlier visit to New Zealand, saying he had first travelled to the country 25–30 years ago, long before entering public office.
He recalled that during the visit, he was gifted a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves, all of which he took back to India. Modi said he had brought the same muffler with him for the Auckland event, adding that he had preserved and used it over the years.
Using the story to underscore India’s approach to international relations, Modi said the country values the spirit of its people over the size of its population.
“For us, it is not the population of a country that matters, but the spirit of public welfare,” he said, adding that India has learned a great deal from New Zealand and continues to draw inspiration from its achievements.
Earlier in the day, Modi held bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The two leaders announced 18 major decisions and signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
They also set a target of doubling bilateral trade to around ₹35,000 crore by 2030 and elevated bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Calls for greater collaboration
Highlighting future opportunities, Modi said India and New Zealand should deepen cooperation in emerging sectors and described the present as “the era of collaboration.”
Modi said India wants to learn from New Zealand’s expertise and called for greater cooperation through coaches, trainers and technical experts.
Space partnership reflects shared future
PM Modi also underlined growing cooperation in the space sector, saying it demonstrated how closely the future of India and New Zealand is connected.
He recalled the enthusiasm in New Zealand following the successful landing of India’s Chandrayaan mission near the Moon’s south pole and said New Zealand-based space companies have collaborated with India on several occasions.
According to Modi, the space sector showcases the enormous potential for the two countries to work together in advanced technology and innovation.
Emotional bond with the Indian diaspora
Addressing members of the Indian community, Modi said geographical distance had not weakened their emotional connection with their homeland.
He said that although they lived thousands of kilometres away, India continued to occupy a special place in their hearts, adding that the diaspora closely follows every major development and achievement in the country.
Learning from New Zealand
Modi said India continues to learn from New Zealand’s development model, particularly its commitment to public welfare and women’s empowerment.
He noted that New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote and said India is also creating new opportunities to increase women’s participation across sectors.
PM Modi said the deepening partnership between India and New Zealand is being driven not only by government-to-government cooperation but also by strong people-to-people ties and shared aspirations for the future.
Pictures from Modi’s New Zealand visit…
New Zealand PM Luxon hosted a gala lunch in honour of the PM.
The MoU was signed between the two countries in the presence of PM Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon.
PM Modi and New Zealand PM Luxon met industrialists (CEOs) from both countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a traditional Maori welcome at Government House in Auckland.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a ‘Guard of Honour’ during his ceremonial welcome at the Government House in Auckland.
For more updates, go through the blog below…
Updates
A New Zealand journalist on Saturday questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not held a press conference, prompting a response from India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Neeraj Tandon.
The question was raised during a media interaction, where the journalist asked why Modi had not addressed a press conference despite his tenure in office.
Responding to the query, Tandon declined to comment on PM’s working style, saying it would not be appropriate for him as a government official.
“I am a government official, so it would not be appropriate to comment on the way the Prime Minister works,” Tandon said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said future visits by Indian PM’s to New Zealand would become more frequent, assuring the Indian diaspora that they would not have to wait another four decades for such an occasion.
Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, Modi noted that his visit marked the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
“It has taken 40 years for an Indian prime minister to come to New Zealand. Now you will not have to wait this long again,” he said.
Reiterating his trademark slogan, Modi added, “This is Modi’s guarantee, and Modi’s guarantee means a guarantee that will be fulfilled.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday showcased India’s economic and technological progress, saying the country is emerging as a global leader while maintaining a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, Modi said India has become the world’s second-largest producer and the third-largest automobile market, reflecting the country’s rapid economic transformation.
He also highlighted India’s achievements in renewable energy, digital payments, drone technology and the space sector, saying the country is setting new benchmarks for innovation.
“India has one of the world’s largest solar energy capacities.
Billions of digital transactions take place every month through UPI, and the country is reaching new heights in drone technology and the space economy,” Modi said.
PM said these achievements represent a “new India” that is pursuing economic development while protecting the environment, drawing parallels with New Zealand’s emphasis on balancing ecology and economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the Indian community in New Zealand for maintaining strong ties with their homeland, saying that despite living thousands of kilometres away, India continues to occupy a special place in their hearts.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland, Modi said physical distance had not weakened their emotional connection with India.
“Even though you live thousands of kilometres away, India resides in a corner of your heart. Your body may be here, but your mind remains in India,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New Zealand reflects the deep historical bonds it shares with India, pointing out that several places across the country bear the names of Indian cities, including Khandala, Bombay Hills, Coromandel, Calcutta Street, Delhi Crescent and Amritsar Street.
Addressing the Indian community, he said these names stand as symbols of the enduring connection between the two nations.
Praising the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said they have become “full-fledged Kiwis” while continuing to strengthen India-New Zealand ties.
He added that whenever he meets New Zealand’s leaders, they speak highly of the Indian community.
“The praise is yours, and my head is held high,” the PM said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday pitched deeper collaboration between India and New Zealand in sports, space and the digital creator economy, saying the future of the two countries is closely linked.
Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, Modi said that, in the language of content creators, “this is the era of collaboration,” and stressed that India and New Zealand have immense potential to work together across multiple sectors.
Highlighting sports as a key area of cooperation, Modi said rugby presents a significant opportunity for partnership. He said India is keen to learn from New Zealand’s expertise in the sport and called for greater support through coaches and technical experts.
“India wants to learn from New Zealand in rugby. We need coaches and experts, and New Zealand can help us a lot,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has learned a great deal from New Zealand, praising the country’s achievements in women’s empowerment, agriculture and rural development, and said these experiences continue to inspire India’s growth journey.
Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, Modi said India’s strength lies in its willingness to learn while preserving its ancient civilisation and embracing modernity.
“India is a thousand-year-old civilisation that is embracing modernity while preserving its heritage. In every era, India has transformed itself because it has the urge to learn. We have learned a lot from New Zealand, and we are still learning,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, saying Kiwi Indians have added new dimensions to the country’s economy and society while excelling across leadership, governance and sports.
Addressing the Indian community in Auckland, Modi said people of Indian origin have made a significant impact in New Zealand’s development.
He cited the rise of Indian-origin leaders in the country, noting that Nikhil Ravishankar became the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, while Anand Satyanand served as the country’s Governor-General.
Modi also highlighted the growing influence of the Indian community in sports, pointing to cricketers Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel as examples of Indian-origin talent earning a place in New Zealand’s national cricket team.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment to a stronger future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received in Auckland, saying he was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic cheers and affection of the people.
“I am overwhelmed by the warmth of your welcome and your enthusiastic cheers. Your affection and support are truly heartwarming,” PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underscored the deep-rooted relationship between India and New Zealand, saying the partnership is built on shared memories, enduring friendship, common values and mutual commitments.
Addressing the Indian diaspora during his visit to New Zealand, Modi said the bilateral relationship has been shaped by strong people-to-people ties and the values cherished by both nations. He praised New Zealand’s traditions, describing them as a reflection of goodness and mutual respect that have strengthened the bond between the two countries over the years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday recalled his first visit to New Zealand nearly three decades ago, saying he still cherishes a muffler gifted to him by a New Zealander as a symbol of the affection he received during the trip.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland, Modi said his current visit marks his first to New Zealand as Prime Minister, though he had travelled to the country 25–30 years ago before entering government.
“After 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has set foot on New Zealand soil. It is my privilege to bring the greetings and good wishes of 140 crore Indians to all the people of New Zealand,” he said.
Modi recalled that during his earlier visit, he was gifted three items, a muffler, a cap and a pair of gloves. Holding up the same muffler at the event, he said he had preserved it for decades and continued to use it.
“This muffler was gifted to me 25–30 years ago by a New Zealander. I have used it many times over the years and have kept it safely. I value the love and affection behind this gift,” the Prime Minister said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and New Zealand are strengthening their strategic partnership as maritime neighbours in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Speaking at a press briefing in Auckland, MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said New Zealand is a like-minded partner in the Pacific, and both countries share a strong strategic vision.
He added that the partnership is also driven by growing economic opportunities, with India offering a large market and New Zealand contributing advanced technology and expertise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the century-long sporting relationship between India and New Zealand, saying the two nations have always shared a spirit of friendship and fair play.
Addressing the gathering in New Zealand, PM Modi said, “We are on the same team,” while celebrating the deep connection built through cricket and other sports. He added that sporting ties have strengthened people-to-people relations and will continue to bring both countries closer.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with New Zealand, saying both nations will move forward “shoulder to shoulder” in the fight against terrorism through stronger security cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India-New Zealand bilateral trade has grown by over 50 per cent in three years. Addressing the Gala Lunch in Auckland, he said the Free Trade Agreement will further boost economic ties and help double trade in the next five years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a sports engagement event in Auckland alongside New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The event highlighted the growing sporting partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in sports and people-to-people ties.
Speaking at a gala lunch in Auckland, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said cricket has always been a special bond between India and New Zealand. He recalled playing street cricket with children from the STAIRS Foundation in Delhi, where his team included Kapil Dev, while the opposing side featured Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel. Luxon joked that he wondered whether a child could dismiss Ross Taylor, only for an 11-year-old Indian boy to bowl him out with a delivery travelling at around 110 km/h.
Luxon said the experience reflected India’s deep passion for cricket. He added that the Sports Joint Action Plan signed by the two countries would strengthen cooperation in coaching, youth and women’s sport, high-performance sport, sports science, technology, tourism and business.
Speaking at a gala luncheon hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, after 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand. I have always said that my predecessors left behind many good initiatives, and I have the opportunity to carry forward and complete that unfinished work.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted a gala lunch in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is on the final leg of his three-nation tour and is scheduled to depart for New Delhi later today.
Addressing a business and sports engagement event in Auckland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India-New Zealand relations have reached a new milestone.
“Today, we are elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership,” he said. “This is not merely a diplomatic achievement, but a renewed commitment to a shared future.”
1. Defence and security
- Defence cooperation to be further strengthened.
- Regular naval exercises between the two countries.
- Greater cooperation in maritime security, hydrography and logistics.
- Joint efforts to tackle terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, organised crime and human trafficking.
2. Trade and economy
- Bilateral trade target set at NZ$7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.
- India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed.
- Increased cooperation in trade, investment and industry.
- Plans to introduce direct flights to boost tourism.
- Expanded partnership in agriculture, dairy, horticulture, kiwifruit, apples and honey production.
- Agreement reached on cooperation in the livestock and dairy sectors.
3. Education, science and technology
- Stronger collaboration in education, research, digital transformation and emerging technologies.
- Greater partnerships between students, universities and research institutions.
- Joint work on climate technology and innovation.
- Disaster management agreement signed between India’s NDMA and its New Zealand counterpart.
4. Culture, sport and people-to-people ties
- India–New Zealand Sports Cooperation Programme to be expanded.
- Collaboration in high-performance sport, sports science and coaching.
- Agreements on cultural cooperation and maritime heritage conservation.
- Enhanced cultural exchanges and people-to-people links.
5. Foreign policy and global issues
- Support for peace, security and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
- New Zealand reaffirmed support for UN Security Council reform and India’s bid for permanent membership.
- Closer cooperation in ASEAN and other multilateral forums.
6. West Asia and Ukraine
- Called for de-escalation and protection of civilians in the Middle East.
- Backed uninterrupted trade and maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Urged a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.
7. Strong stand against terrorism
- Condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.
- Condemned the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam attack and the 10 November 2025 terrorist attack near Delhi’s Red Fort.
- Called for tougher action against terrorists, their financiers and safe havens.
- Agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Terrorism.
- Committed to strengthening global counter-terrorism efforts through the FATF and the United Nations.
8. Political and diplomatic cooperation
- Regular meetings between the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers.
- Stronger parliamentary cooperation and high-level political dialogue.
PM Modi interacted with industry representatives during the India-New Zealand Business Event in Auckland.
Modi addressed Indians in Melbourne, and at his request, people there lit their mobile phone flashlights in honor of the Australian PM.
Earlier on Thursday, India and Australia sealed a uranium deal. Following their meeting in Melbourne, PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese announced agreements in several areas, including defense, trade, energy, space, and critical minerals, at a joint press conference.
Modi said India and Australia will also jointly develop a Critical Minerals Corridor. A space tracking terminal will be built on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which will support India’s Gaganyaan mission.
Modi praised Australia for banning social media for children under 16. He then addressed 30,000 Indians in Melbourne.
Hindi is the fourth most widely spoken language in New Zealand, reflecting the country’s growing Indian community. Around 240,000 people of Indian origin live in New Zealand, making a significant contribution to its culture, economy and society.
Many important agreements related to direct flights, UPI and agriculture are likely to be signed between India and New Zealand.
The FTA was signed in the presence of Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McLay.
A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed between India and New Zealand on April 27th. Now, export duties will be exempt from export duties on goods such as leather products, textiles, plastics, and engineering goods shipped from India to New Zealand. This will directly benefit these labor-intensive sectors.
Piyush Goyal stated that this FTA reflects trust, shared values, and a shared vision for sustainable economic growth. The agreement will also serve as a gateway for India to access Oceania and Pacific Island markets.
