India PM Modi set for ‘historic’ visit to NZ, flying in for one night next week
Friday, 3 July 2026
Narendra Modi is due to travel to New Zealand next week, marking the first official visit from an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 40 years.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Friday that Modi would arrive in Auckland late next week, for one night.
“Prime Minister Modi’s visit is historic,” Luxon said.
“India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, and a country of enormous importance to New Zealand’s prosperity.”
The two nations signed a New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement in April, which Luxon said would take the bilateral relationship to the next level by delivering jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth.
The trade agreement would eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India once it was fully implemented. From day one of the agreement, 57% of exports would be completely tariff-free.
Luxon said the deal would unlock fresh opportunities to expand goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people, aiding the Government’s goal to double the total value of New Zealand's exports by 2034.
Discussions between Modi and New Zealand leaders would span trade and investment, maritime security, education, technology, tourism, sport, and various global issues.
The visit would also highlight the deep cultural ties between the two nations. Kiwi-Indians make up around 6% of the New Zealand population and contribute significantly across sectors like business, technology, health and science.
“This visit is about celebrating a winning partnership between New Zealand and India - one that delivers for our people and supports greater prosperity and security for both our countries,” Luxon said.
“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi to New Zealand.”
The trip came as the free trade agreement legislation was passing through Parliament. Last week, the bill passed its first reading 93 votes to 29, with National, Labour and ACT's support, and all others opposing.
NZ First leader Winston Peters said his party opposed including any migration concessions in the FTA, and if additional restrictions were being brought in “the only consistent and principled step would be to apply these restrictions to citizens of all FTA partners”.
He said National had “covertly” changed course on migration settings for Indians, with the agreement.