PM Modi, New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon Highlight Stronger Strategic Partnership at Special Bilateral Event

Leaders emphasise trade, sports cooperation and deeper people-to-people ties during New Zealand visit

July 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon participated in a special luncheon titled “India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership,” where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across trade, sports, technology and people-to-people exchanges.

The high-profile gathering brought together leading representatives from business, industry, academia, technology, politics, sports and the arts, reflecting the broad scope of the growing relationship between the two nations.

Welcoming the Indian Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon underlined the long-standing friendship between India and New Zealand and spoke of a shared vision to deepen bilateral engagement while creating new opportunities for economic growth and collaboration.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Modi said the two countries enjoy strong complementarities that provide a solid foundation for future cooperation. He welcomed the decision to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, expressing confidence that the move would further strengthen collaboration in multiple sectors.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the successful conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, stating that the agreement is expected to generate fresh opportunities for businesses, farmers and young professionals while supporting the shared objective of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

Following the luncheon, the two Prime Ministers jointly viewed an exhibition showcasing advanced sports technologies and equipment. They also met distinguished athletes and professionals associated with high-performance sports.

Prime Minister Modi noted that sporting ties between India and New Zealand span nearly a century and said the newly signed Sports Joint Action Plan would help expand cooperation beyond cricket into other sporting disciplines. He added that stronger collaboration in sports assumes greater significance as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games 2030.

The visit reflected both countries’ intention to broaden their partnership through stronger economic engagement, strategic cooperation and greater collaboration in emerging sectors.