Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on 10 July 2026, on the final leg of a three-nation tour that had earlier taken him to Indonesia and Australia. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.
PM Modi was received at Auckland Airport by PM Luxon himself, and the two leaders greeted each other warmly. Auckland’s Sky Tower was specially illuminated for the occasion, a gesture the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described as a “special welcome” symbolising the friendship between the two nations. Later that evening, PM Modi attended a cultural welcome at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel, where performances showcased the traditions of Punjab and Tamil Nadu, a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music, and a rendition of Vande Mataram. Posting on X, PM Modi said he was “delighted to witness a vibrant celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage” and thanked the diaspora for “keeping India’s cultural heritage vibrant across generations and continents.”
Bilateral Talks and Strategic Partnership
On 11 July, PM Modi was formally welcomed at Government House in Auckland with a traditional Māori pōwhiri, including a wero (ceremonial challenge). He then held delegation-level talks with PM Luxon. Speaking at the meeting, PM Modi said, “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 two leaders announced the elevation of India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership, with Modi stating, “We have decided to elevate our ties to a Strategic Partnership. We will move forward across every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes.”
The talks yielded 18 outcomes, including 10 agreements, covering a four-year roadmap to expand bilateral ties, a framework for Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force. Both sides set a target to double annual bilateral trade in goods and services to roughly NZD 7 billion (about ₹35,000 crore) by 2030, building on the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed in April 2026. The two leaders also committed to working towards the FTA’s early entry into force.
The joint statement additionally touched on regional and global issues and reiterated support for “bold and effective” reform of the United Nations, including expansion of the Security Council.
Meetings with Business, Sports and Political Leaders
Following the bilateral talks, PM Modi attended a business forum showcasing sectors of mutual interest, followed by a celebratory lunch, and interacted with prominent New Zealand business and sports personalities. He also attended the India-New Zealand “A Winning Partnership” celebration at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre, focused on sporting ties between the two countries, where PM Luxon spoke of deepening cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, sport and tourism, alongside defence, maritime security and law enforcement. PM Modi also met with New Zealand Labour Leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Community Reception at Spark Arena
The visit’s centrepiece was the “Kia Ora Modi” community event at Auckland’s Spark Arena, a sold-out gathering of over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora. PM Modi addressed the gathering before departing Auckland later that evening, bringing his two-day visit to a close.
