PM Modi hails India-New Zealand FTA as ‘historic milestone’, says it will deepen bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, July 11, 2026, described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic milestone in bilateral relations and thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for signing the agreement in a short time.

Also read | The Prime Minister’s visit to New Zealand will unlock new avenues of collaboration: government.

During the delegation-level talks in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years and said it gave new impetus to the relationship and reaffirmed the two countries’ resolve to deepen their partnership. “It gives me great pleasure that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting New Zealand for the first time in 40 years. By organizing an event in your economic capital, you have created an opportunity to add new strength to the relationship between India and New Zealand. I am deeply grateful,” Mr. Modi said.

The Prime Minister stated that he was deeply touched by the warmth shown by the people of New Zealand to India and described the visit as a decisive moment in bilateral relations. “This marks a historic turning point in our relationship, reviving our ties and reaffirming our commitment to friendship. The FTA process began when you visited India. It is remarkable that the whole of New Zealand came together to implement the FTA in such a short time, perhaps a global first for such a rapid achievement. I express my heartfelt gratitude to your leadership, government and team for this achievement,” he said.

Recalling Prime Minister Luxon’s visit to India during the Holi festival last year, Prime Minister Modi said that it added “new colors” to the bilateral relationship. “Last year, you visited India during the Holi festival. Your visit has added new colors to our relationship, like the colors of Holi. Today, we are connecting our relationship through Strategic Partnership. This milestone will inspire us to move forward with greater energy and confidence,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the two countries are natural partners due to their shared democratic values ​​and close cooperation as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. Expressing confidence in the future of the partnership, Mr. Modi said both countries can contribute meaningfully to global peace, stability and security. “Our unwavering belief in democratic values ​​makes us natural partners. This is a match made for each other. Moreover, our close cooperation as two maritime nations adds new strength to the Indo-Pacific. I am confident that this visit will further strengthen our bilateral ties and enhance our common contribution to global peace, stability and security. We can serve as a catalyst for peace, advocate for peace and work towards global prosperity through peace.” he said.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with leading business and sports figures later today. Reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand, the Prime Minister will also address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday, July 10, 2026 and was welcomed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with whom he warmly embraced. This visit is taking place upon the invitation of Prime Minister Luxon.

Following the Free Trade Agreement signed in April this year, this visit is expected to serve as a catalyst to create further momentum in trade and bilateral relations. The two leaders had previously held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, during Prime Minister Luxon’s official visit to India.