PM Modi concludes New Zealand visit, returns home after Three-Nation Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for India after concluding a two-day visit to New Zealand, marking the final leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour that also included Indonesia and Australia.
Modi was seen off at the airport by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a special farewell gesture following a visit that saw the two countries elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit deepened bilateral ties and produced significant outcomes across multiple sectors.
According to the MEA, Modi's three-country tour to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand advanced cooperation in trade, technology, security, education, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.
During his talks with Luxon, the two leaders agreed to elevate India-New Zealand ties to a Strategic Partnership and set a target of doubling annual bilateral trade in goods and services to Rs 35,000 crore over the next five years.
The summit resulted in 18 key outcomes, including the signing of 10 agreements. Among the major initiatives were a roadmap to strengthen bilateral cooperation over the next four years, a framework to enhance Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and a reciprocal logistics support agreement between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.
The visit followed the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
During his stay, Modi also met leading CEOs and business representatives, describing the India-New Zealand FTA as a landmark agreement that would deepen economic engagement by creating new opportunities for trade, investment and talent mobility.
The Prime Minister also addressed members of the Indian diaspora at the 'Kia Ora Modi' community event in Auckland and visited an exhibition showcasing New Zealand's cutting-edge sports technology and innovations.
Before arriving in New Zealand, Modi visited Australia, where he held summit talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two leaders reinforced cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, expanded defence collaboration, particularly in the maritime domain, and concluded a civil nuclear energy agreement to facilitate Australia's commercial uranium supply to India.
The Prime Minister began his three-nation tour in Indonesia, where India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements covering critical minerals, maritime security and several other strategic sectors.
