PM Modi to visit New Zealand next week in first bilateral trip by an Indian PM in 40 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake his first official visit to New Zealand next week, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Pacific nation in 40 years, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Friday.

Modi will arrive in Auckland on July 10 and depart the following day. The visit is expected to further strengthen the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two countries following the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this year.

Calling the visit "historic", Luxon said it reflects the growing momentum in bilateral ties and underscores the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

"Prime Minister Modi's visit is historic, with this being the first to New Zealand by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years," Luxon said in a statement.

According to the New Zealand government, discussions between the two leaders will cover a broad range of issues, including trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sports and global developments.

"This visit is about celebrating a winning partnership between New Zealand and India, one that delivers for our people and supports greater prosperity and security for both our countries. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to New Zealand," Luxon said.

The visit comes at a time when India and New Zealand are seeking to expand cooperation beyond trade into strategic and people-to-people engagement. The two countries have also stepped up collaboration in areas such as education, digital technology, clean energy and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Modi's visit is expected to provide further momentum to these efforts while strengthening political ties between the two governments. Business leaders are also expected to closely watch the visit for announcements that could encourage greater investment flows and commercial partnerships.

India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement

India and New Zealand signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement in April 2026 after concluding negotiations aimed at enhancing bilateral economic ties. 

Under the agreement, India will eliminate tariffs on around 95% of goods imported from New Zealand over a phased period, providing greater market access for products such as dairy alternatives, kiwifruit, apples, meat, wine, wool and timber. 

The pact also includes provisions covering services, investment, digital trade and customs facilitation, and is expected to significantly boost two-way trade while encouraging greater investment and business collaboration between the two countries.