India, New Zealand Elevate Ties at Strategic Partnership Gala Hosted by PM Luxon
Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi attended a gala luncheon hosted by Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon on July 11, 2026, celebrating the elevation of India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership and reaffirming both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across trade, investment, security, education and people-to-people ties.
The event brought together prominent representatives from government, business, industry, academia, technology, sports and the arts. Welcoming guests, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between India and New Zealand while outlining a shared vision for deeper bilateral cooperation and long-term economic growth.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi described his visit as the beginning of a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations, noting that it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. He said the newly established Strategic Partnership would provide a comprehensive framework for collaboration across multiple sectors.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying it would create new opportunities for businesses, farmers and young people in both countries while supporting the shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
He also welcomed plans to facilitate up to US$20 billion in New Zealand investment into India and highlighted expanding cooperation in financial technology, including efforts to connect India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with New Zealand’s payment systems. Additional areas of cooperation include agriculture, dairy, food processing and traditional medicine.
The two leaders reaffirmed growing defence and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including naval exercises, logistics support and hydrographic collaboration. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, describing closer security cooperation as important for regional peace, stability and prosperity.
People-to-people connections remained a key pillar of the partnership. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for supporting the Indian community and welcomed the signing of a Cultural Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, which will strengthen exchanges in the arts, heritage and creative industries. He also encouraged greater educational collaboration, including opportunities for New Zealand universities to establish campuses in India.
Following the luncheon, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon toured an exhibition showcasing innovative sports technology and equipment before meeting leading athletes. Marking the centenary of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi said the new Sports Joint Action Plan would expand cooperation beyond cricket as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games 2030. He concluded by extending greetings on the occasion of the Māori New Year, Matariki, describing it as a celebration that reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office of India
