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Wellington, July 3
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit New Zealand next week on his first official trip to the country, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Friday. Posting on social media, Luxon said he was “delighted” to confirm the visit, though he did not share specific dates.
He described India as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies and said it plays a key role in New Zealand’s economic future. Luxon highlighted the recently signed New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, saying it would help expand exports, create jobs and support economic growth in New Zealand.
He said the deal would open access to a market of 1.4 billion people for New Zealand goods and services, with benefits expected to flow into local communities through increased incomes and employment.
India and New Zealand signed the free trade agreement earlier this year to boost trade in goods, services and investment flows.
Under the agreement, India gains duty-free access for all exports to New Zealand, while New Zealand secures improved access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies amid global trade uncertainty.
Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at about $1.3 billion in 2024–25, with total goods and services trade reaching around $2.4 billion in 2024. Services such as travel, IT and business support made up a significant share of this exchange.
The visit is expected to further strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries as both sides look to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
