India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership Established with Roadmap to 2030
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to New Zealand on July 10-11, 2026, marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years and resulted in the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. The leaders endorsed the 'India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030' as a framework to guide joint action over the next four years, aiming to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms and explore new avenues for deepening cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Comprehensive Bilateral Agreements and Economic Targets
The centerpiece of the economic partnership is the conclusion and signature of a balanced, comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The leaders set an aspirational goal to double bilateral two-way trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (approximately ₹35,000 crore) by 2030. The partnership includes multiple memorandums of understanding covering tourism through a Memorandum of Arrangement on Tourism, agricultural cooperation through an Agricultural Productivity Partnership under the FTA, and specific cooperation on animal husbandry and dairying through a Memorandum of Cooperation.
Defence and Security Cooperation Expansion
The implementation of the 2025 India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation is underway, with agreements to maintain regular structured engagement at Defence Ministry and Service levels. New maritime cooperation arrangements include a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement (MCA), an Implementing Arrangement on Cooperation in Matters of Hydrography and Nautical Cartography, and a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement focused on the maritime domain. The partners established an annual Maritime Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination and information exchange, and signed a Memorandum of Arrangement establishing a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for information and knowledge sharing.
Sectoral Cooperation and Institutional Partnerships
The partnership encompasses extensive cooperation in agriculture, with New Zealand supporting India's Viksit Bharat goal through collaboration in trade, agriculture, skills, innovation, clean energy, and sport. Specific agricultural initiatives include New Zealand's work with India on action plans to improve productivity in kiwifruit, apples and honey, support for establishing Centres of Excellence in kiwifruit in India, and education and institutional collaborations supporting agricultural innovation. In maritime affairs, discussions continue between India's Directorate General of Shipping and Maritime New Zealand on strengthening recognition of seafarer competency certificates to support seafarer mobility.
Multilateral Engagement and Global Issues
New Zealand reaffirmed its support for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council. Both leaders expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East and called for full restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. They discussed the importance of stable, transparent, and resilient supply chains, recognizing India's role in international energy supply chains and expressing deep concern about supply chain disruptions across the Indo-Pacific, particularly affecting Pacific Island countries. On Ukraine, the leaders expressed concern over the ongoing war and supported efforts towards achieving comprehensive peace through dialogue and diplomacy based on the UN Charter and international law.
Institutional Framework for Implementation
The partnership establishes regular Foreign Ministers' Dialogue and consolidates annual senior officials' meetings between India's Ministry of External Affairs and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide strategic guidance and review progress under the Roadmap to 2030. The leaders directed Ministers and senior officials to maintain close engagement and ensure timely implementation of the initiatives, with regular reviews by Ministers and senior officials.