New Delhi, Jul 11 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Saturday elevated India-New Zealand relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership, unveiling an ambitious Roadmap to 2030, setting a target to double bilateral trade by the end of the decade, and expanding cooperation across defence, maritime security, trade, agriculture, education, sports, technology and regional security.
The landmark development came during Modi's ongoing official visit to Auckland, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, marking what both sides described as a new chapter in bilateral ties.
Modi was accorded a traditional Maori welcome at Government House on arrival, with customary rituals symbolising peace, respect and hospitality, before inspecting a Guard of Honour. The two leaders subsequently held extensive restricted and delegation-level talks covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate the relationship to a Strategic Partnership and endorsed the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030, which will guide cooperation over the next four years through regular political dialogue, stronger institutional mechanisms and expanded collaboration in key sectors.
Sharing the outcome of the talks on social media platform X, Modi said, "We have taken the historic decision to elevate India-New Zealand relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership."
"Under this partnership, we will move forward in every sector with clear objectives and tangible outcomes," he said.
Highlighting the economic dimension of the partnership, Modi noted, "This year, we concluded a Free Trade Agreement in record time. This achievement will open new opportunities for the industries, farmers, and youth of both countries."
The leaders welcomed the conclusion and signing of a comprehensive India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and committed to ensuring its early implementation. They set an ambitious goal of doubling two-way trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (around Rs 35,000 crore) by 2030, while encouraging businesses from both countries to deepen commercial engagement and investment.
Addressing business leaders in Auckland, Modi said stronger economic ties would generate fresh opportunities for businesses and young people.
"A stronger economic partnership between India and New Zealand will create new opportunities for businesses, innovators and our youth," he said.
Describing the bilateral relationship as being at "a turning point", Modi said India and New Zealand were binding their ties into a Strategic Partnership.
"This is not merely a diplomatic milestone. It is a new resolve for our shared future," he said.
Referring to the recently concluded trade pact, Modi said, "This year, both countries concluded a Free Trade Agreement in a record nine months. It will create new opportunities in market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility."
Calling India a global growth engine, Modi said, "India is not only a market; India is a launchpad for global growth."
He also highlighted complementarities between the two economies, saying, "New Zealand has enormous expertise in horticulture, dairy science and forestry. India has the strength of a vast consumer market, food parks and agri-tech talent. Together, we can build farm-to-market value chains and global export platforms."
A major pillar of the upgraded partnership is enhanced maritime and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries agreed on a new framework for maritime cooperation, including bilateral naval exercises, logistics support, hydrography and nautical cartography, while also signing a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement focused on the maritime domain.
"Today, we also agreed on a framework for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Cooperation in bilateral naval exercises, logistics support, and hydrography will further strengthen coordination and interoperability between our two countries," Modi said.
The Joint Statement said both countries, as maritime nations, share an interest in a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific and agreed to establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue. They also welcomed New Zealand's priority role under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and agreed to explore practical cooperation under the initiative.
The two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on counter-terrorism, cyber security, law enforcement and combating organised crime, including illicit drug trafficking, financial crimes, cyber-enabled offences, people smuggling and terrorism financing. They welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms.
The Joint Statement specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir and the November 10, 2025 terror attack near Delhi's Red Fort, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice. Both leaders urged all countries to take concrete action against UN-designated terrorist organisations and their supporters while strengthening cooperation through multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force.
Beyond security, the leaders signed or witnessed agreements covering defence, maritime security, hydrography, disaster management, sports, tourism, dairy, food technology, ocean research, maritime heritage and cultural cooperation.
The two Prime Ministers also agreed to deepen collaboration in agriculture, particularly horticulture, forestry, dairying and animal husbandry, with New Zealand supporting India's efforts to improve productivity in kiwifruit, apples and honey and establish Centres of Excellence in kiwifruit cultivation.
Recognising education as a cornerstone of the relationship, the leaders committed to strengthening institutional partnerships, student mobility, research collaboration and innovation. They also pledged greater cooperation in science, climate resilience, disaster management and emerging technologies.
On regional and global issues, the leaders reaffirmed support for a rules-based Indo-Pacific, freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, ASEAN centrality and reform of the United Nations Security Council. New Zealand reiterated its support for India's permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
The two leaders also discussed developments in the Middle East and Ukraine. They called for restraint and diplomacy in the Middle East, emphasised the importance of protecting global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and supported efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine through dialogue based on the UN Charter and international law.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Luxon and the people of New Zealand for their warm hospitality and invited the New Zealand Prime Minister to visit India. Both leaders agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level political engagement and directed ministers and senior officials to ensure timely implementation of the Roadmap to 2030, with progress to be reviewed regularly. UNI SKA AAB