Indian PM Narendra Modi touches down in Auckland for historic visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Auckland this evening, arriving directly from Australia as part of the first official visit by an Indian leader to New Zealand in 40 years.

The Indian leader, who is the highest-profile head of state to visit New Zealand in more than a decade, touched down at Auckland International Airport in his Boeing 777 — dubbed India One — at around 8.15pm on Friday.

Modi was welcomed with a red carpet on the tarmac, alongside representatives of the Indian and New Zealand armed forces. He was greeted by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who embraced him on arrival, and senior minister Mark Mitchell.

His visit to Australia was described as "Modi Mania," with large crowds turning out to greet him in Melbourne.

Auckland's Indian community has been preparing for a similarly festive welcome, with a Kia Ora Modi community event at Spark Arena planned for tomorrow, filling the venue to capacity.

Sunil Kaushal, of the India New Zealand Business Council, said the visit had been a long time coming.

"We've all been waiting for 40 years for this visit. There's so much excitement — I mean, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Security preparations were underway at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland today, where security screens and Indian flags have been put in place.

Police have brought in extra specialist support from around the country for public order and crowd control throughout his stay.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the visit carried real significance for New Zealand.

"It will be very significant, and that's purely because we've got a very significant world leader in town," Luxon said.

"As you'd expect, there will be intense security."

Modi is expected to mark New Zealand's recently signed free trade agreement with India during his visit, alongside growing ties between the two countries.

He arrives in Auckland today and is scheduled to depart tomorrow.