PM Modi New Zealand Visit: India, NZ Sign FTA, 18 Agreements; ₹1.72 Lakh Crore Investment Announced
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Sydney
- Jul 11, 2026
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India and New Zealand entered a new phase in bilateral relations after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon held comprehensive talks in Auckland on Friday. The meeting concluded with the signing of 18 major agreements and 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), while both nations committed to expanding bilateral trade to nearly ₹35,000 crore by 2030.
The landmark discussions also resulted in the elevation of India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking one of the most significant diplomatic developments between the two countries in recent years.
India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Finalised
Prime Minister Modi announced that India and New Zealand successfully completed negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in a record nine months this year. The agreement is expected to boost trade, investment, exports, technology exchange, and employment opportunities in both countries.
Another major announcement was New Zealand's commitment to invest ₹1.72 lakh crore (approximately USD 20 billion) in India over the next 15 years. The investment will support infrastructure, innovation, technology, clean energy, and other sectors aligned with India's Developed India 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047) vision.
Historic Visit After Four Decades
Prime Minister Modi's visit is historic as it marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit the country was Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.
The New Zealand leg also concludes Prime Minister Modi's three-nation foreign tour held between July 6 and July 11, after which he is scheduled to return to New Delhi.
Before departing, Modi will address nearly 40,000 members of the Indian diaspora in Auckland, highlighting India's growing engagement with overseas Indians.
Cricket Diplomacy Takes Centre Stage
During a gala luncheon hosted in Auckland, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recalled his memorable street cricket match with children from the STAIRS Foundation in Delhi.
Luxon shared that his team included Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, while the opposing side featured former New Zealand internationals Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel.
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He humorously recounted challenging whether a child could dismiss Ross Taylor, only to witness an 11-year-old Indian boy bowl out the former Kiwi batter with a delivery travelling at nearly 110 kmph.
The New Zealand Prime Minister said the incident reflected India's extraordinary love for cricket and showcased the country's sporting talent.
Sports Cooperation to Expand
Both countries also adopted a Sports Joint Action Plan, aimed at strengthening collaboration in coaching, youth development, women's sports, elite athlete training, sports science, technology, sports tourism, and sports-related business opportunities.
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The initiative is expected to deepen people-to-people ties while creating new opportunities for athletes and sports professionals in both countries.
PM Modi: A New Chapter in India-New Zealand Relations
Addressing the official luncheon, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a landmark moment in bilateral ties.
He noted that an Indian Prime Minister had visited New Zealand after four decades and said he considered it an honour to carry forward the efforts of previous leaders while opening a new chapter of cooperation between the two democracies.
The visit is expected to strengthen economic, strategic, educational, technological, and cultural engagement, giving fresh momentum to India-New Zealand relations in the years ahead.
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