PM Modi, New Zealand PM Luxon elevate ties to strategic partnership, boost Indo-Pacific cooperation

Mangalore Today News Network

Auckland, July 11, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Saturday elevated India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

During talks in Auckland, the two leaders highlighted their countries’ shared democratic values, strong people-to-people connections, and common interests in the Indo-Pacific, according to an official statement.

India and New Zealand also moved closer on security cooperation by signing a defence cooperation arrangement and committing to greater collaboration on maritime safety and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

"As two maritime nations, our close cooperation gives new strength to the Indo-Pacific, and our ties can infuse fresh energy into achieving our shared goals of peace," Modi said in his televised opening remarks.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in New Zealand on Friday night after completing diplomatic visits to Australia and Indonesia. He is also scheduled to address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Auckland later on Saturday.

Welcoming Modi, Luxon hosted a ceremonial reception featuring an indigenous Maori performance and a guard of honour at Government House in Auckland.

Describing the upgraded ties as a landmark development, Luxon said the strategic partnership would provide a new "framework and breadth" to relations between the two countries.

The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

The trip comes amid political debate in New Zealand over immigration and a proposed free trade agreement with India, which is awaiting parliamentary approval. Prime Minister Luxon, who faces general elections in November, has been highlighting the economic and employment benefits of the trade deal.

According to New Zealand’s 2023 census, around 292,000 people of Indian origin live in the country, making the Indian community one of the largest migrant groups in New Zealand.