'Made for each other': NZ, India unveil strategic partnership to elevate ties
New Zealand and India have elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreeing to an ambitious plan to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, education and tourism.
The announcement came during Modi's visit to Auckland — the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years — as thousands prepared to gather at Spark Arena for a major community celebration marking the visit.
Earlier today, Modi was formally welcomed with a pōwhiri at Government House, where he was greeted by Luxon with a hug and handshake before the pair walked together into a marquee for official ceremonies.
Luxon described the visit as a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
"Thank you for the relationship and what you've put into it... today's focus is about more than just the FTA [Free Trade Agreement]," he said.
"I'm looking forward to meeting with you today... [it's a] pleasure to see you, my friend."
Modi opened his remarks with a series of greetings, including "Kia ora", and said there was a "renewed energy" and "renewed resolve" in the New Zealand-India relationship.
He said the meeting would strengthen the countries' efforts on peace, security and stability, noting that India and New Zealand shared democratic values and were both maritime nations.
"It's like we were made for each other," Modi said.
He also praised the speed at which the two countries had completed negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement.
"The FTA had been made in a very short time. I express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the team."
The two leaders agreed to a Roadmap to 2030 that will guide the new Strategic Partnership and includes a goal of doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030.
"This is a major step in the relationship between New Zealand and India, and signals our shared ambition to do more together," Luxon said.
"On this historic visit, Prime Minister Modi and I have backed that ambition with action."
A centrepiece of the new partnership is the recently signed New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, which both governments have pledged to bring into force as quickly as possible.
The Government says the agreement will eventually reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports to India, with 57% becoming tariff-free immediately once it takes effect.
Luxon said the deal would create new opportunities for New Zealand businesses in India's 1.4 billion-person market and help achieve the Government's goal of doubling export values by 2034.
The Roadmap to 2030 also places a strong emphasis on defence and maritime cooperation, including a new Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the two countries' defence forces and annual maritime security talks.
"New Zealand's prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific," Luxon said.
"That's why we are stepping up practical cooperation at sea and deepening how we work together and share perspectives on maritime security."
The two countries also signed or welcomed agreements covering tourism, sport, education, horticulture, forestry, animal husbandry and dairying, alongside commitments to work more closely on science, technology and disaster management.