File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
| Photo Credit: AP
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Friday (July 3, 2026) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week.
The two nations signed a free trade agreement in April that will eliminate 95% of tariffs on goods from New Zealand. The bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries stood at $1.3 billion in 2024-25, while total trade in goods and services reached about $2.4 billion in 2024, with services trade alone reaching $1.24 billion, led by travel, IT, and business services.
Also read |India-New Zealand FTA, a modern trade partnership
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit is historic, with this being the first to New Zealand by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years,” Mr. Luxon said in a statement.
The visit reflects the growing momentum in the New Zealand-India relationship. Discussions between the leaders will include trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport, and global issues, the statement added.
“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.”
Mr. Modi will arrive in Auckland on July 10, departing a day later.
Published – July 03, 2026 06:28 am IST
