The visit is expected to focus on strengthening trade, defence and people-to-people ties following recent momentum in bilateral relations….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for a two-day official visit to New Zealand, the final leg of his three-nation tour, where he was received at the airport by his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, in a special gesture.
Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon shared a warm hug as they greeted each other on arrival. India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Muanpuii Saiawi, along with other officials, was also present at the airport to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.
Shortly after the arrival, PM Luxon shared a video of the reception on X, writing, “Welcome to New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
PM Modi reached New Zealand after concluding his three-day visit to Australia. The visit marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with PM Luxon. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders will review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, which has witnessed significant progress over the past two years, particularly in trade, commerce and defence cooperation.
Apart from official engagements, PM Modi will interact with leading business and sports personalities during his visit. He is also set to address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.
Earlier on Friday, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, described PM Modi’s visit as a significant milestone in bilateral relations, highlighting that it comes at an important moment following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IANS, McClay said New Zealand was looking forward to welcoming the Indian Prime Minister and noted the significance of the visit for both countries.
“It is very significant. It is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, and it comes just a few months after we signed our Free Trade Agreement. There will be a major celebration in our largest city, and New Zealanders are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi, especially the Indian-New Zealand community. The Indian diaspora is now our third-largest ethnic community, and many people will turn out to welcome him and make him feel at home.”
PM Modi’s visit follows PM Luxon’s trip to India in March 2025, during which the New Zealand Prime Minister held talks with PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
India and New Zealand have maintained diplomatic relations since 1952 and share longstanding friendly ties. The two countries are members of the Commonwealth, follow common law traditions and share democratic values. Their relationship has expanded across several sectors in recent years, with growing cooperation in trade, investment and defence.
The Auckland visit is expected to build on the momentum generated by recent high-level engagements between the two governments and provide an opportunity for both sides to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
Tags: Narendra Modi, Christopher Luxon, New Zealand, Auckland, India-New Zealand ties, India-New Zealand FTA, Bilateral relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diaspora, Trade, Defence, Three-nation tour
