Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland on Saturday. The leaders announced a strategic partnership to expand cooperation in trade, defence and other areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday on the final leg of his three-nation tour. He was received at the airport by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Modi described the visit as the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
On Saturday, the two leaders held delegation-level talks at Government House. They announced the establishment of a strategic partnership. Luxon called the visit a historic milestone and noted rapid progress on the trade agenda.
The partnership is intended to provide a broader framework for cooperation beyond the recently signed free trade agreement. Bilateral trade currently stands at US$2.25 billion. Officials aim to double trade in goods and services by 2030.
Modi received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. He is scheduled to address the Indian community before returning to New Delhi.
