India, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership, target ₹35,000 crore trade by 2030

A joint statement noted that Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open, and prosperous region

Updated - July 12, 2026 03:54 pm IST | Auckland

PTI

India and New Zealand on Saturday (July 11, 2026) elevated their ties to a strategic partnership and set a five-year target to double their annual bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore by 2030, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon.

The meeting yielded 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements. Key among them were:

• A roadmap to expand ties over the next four years
• A framework for enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation
• A reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force

Indo-Pacific and Maritime Cooperation

A joint statement noted that Mr. Modi and Mr. Luxon exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open, and prosperous region. They also emphasised the importance of safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rules-based international order.

The two Prime Ministers called for freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In line with their focus on boosting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the two sides also agreed to establish a maritime security dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and information exchange.

Trade and Economic Goals

The two Prime Ministers agreed to work towards an aspirational goal of doubling bilateral two-way trade in goods and services to 7 billion New Zealand dollars (approximately ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.

They also resolved to work together to ensure the early entry into force of the recently signed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Remarks by Prime Minister Modi

In his remarks at the talks, Mr. Modi said deeper cooperation between India and New Zealand, both maritime nations, will inject new strength into the Indo-Pacific.

"As two maritime nations, our close cooperation lends new strength to the Indo-Pacific, and our ties can infuse fresh energy into achieving our shared goals of peace," the Prime Minister said in Hindi.

Regional and Global Issues

Mr. Modi landed in Auckland on the third and final leg of his three-nation tour, which largely focused on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Delving into the West Asia conflict, Mr. Modi and Mr. Luxon expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure the protection of civilians, the joint statement said.

"They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping," it added.

The two leaders reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and adherence to international law, to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution.