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New Zealand and India have announced a “strategic partnership”.
The partnership, which will include defence and security, was announced during a landmark visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon greeted his guest with a traditional Maori welcome and a guard of honour, with intentions of strengthening relations following the signing of a free-trade agreement in April, which he has promoted as a significant economic benefit.
Modi’s visit, happening at the end of a July 6-11 trip that included stops in Indonesia and Australia, follows China’s recent test of a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, which has caused regional concerns.
This marks the first time in 40 years that an Indian prime minister has visited New Zealand, reflecting Delhi’s deeper involvement following increasing Chinese diplomatic and military influence in the Pacific.
During Modi’s visit, Luxon highlighted that the India-New Zealand partnership will offer “framework and breadth”.
Modi called it a milestone that will boost “greater energy and confidence” and emphasised their shared belief in democratic values, stating, “Our firm belief in democratic values makes us natural partners.”
The agreement includes enhanced defence cooperation, such as naval exercises, along with stronger collaborations in trade, diplomacy, culture, sport, and science, as announced in their joint statement. Both nations expressed their mutual interest in maintaining a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific”.
Modi, in a post shared on X on Saturday, said his visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in four decades.
“His own visit to India last year energised our bilateral partnership and my visit today, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 4 decades, has added further momentum to the India-New Zealand friendship,” he wrote.
“We have decided to elevate our ties to a Strategic Partnership. We will move forward across every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes.”
Held extensive and fruitful talks with PM Luxon in Auckland this morning. His own visit to India last year energised our bilateral partnership and my visit today, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 4 decades, has added further momentum to the India-New Zealand friendship.… pic.twitter.com/W8bpOfAeeE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026
