PM Modi hails India-New Zealand free trade deal as historic milestone during Auckland visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a "historic milestone", saying it has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations and laid the foundation for deeper economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press interaction with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his historic visit to Auckland, Modi said India and New Zealand are natural partners bound by shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law and a common vision for a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Calling the recently concluded FTA a landmark achievement, the Prime Minister said the agreement would significantly boost bilateral trade, investment and business opportunities while strengthening supply chain resilience and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Modi also highlighted cooperation in defence, maritime security, agriculture, education, technology, clean energy and innovation as key pillars of the expanding partnership. The two countries agreed to deepen collaboration across these sectors under an enhanced strategic framework.

The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, underscoring New Delhi's growing engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and cooperation on regional and global issues.

Prime Minister Modi's New Zealand visit is the final leg of his three-nation tour, following visits to Indonesia and Australia.