Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with New Zealand Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon in Auckland on July 11, 2026, where they held extensive bilateral discussions in both restricted and delegation-level formats. The talks covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, defense and security, agri-tech, sports, education, tourism, culture, and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership, marking a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest and underscored the importance of early implementation of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. A specific target was set to double bilateral trade by 2030.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation in multilateral fora. Following the talks, they witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding and understandings in the fields of defense and maritime security, hydrography, sports, disaster management, dairy, tourism, maritime heritage, culture, food technology, and ocean research. A Joint Statement on the way forward for the bilateral partnership was also adopted.