india

Congress highlights historical ties as Modi elevates India-New Zealand relations to strategic partnership

Published on: 11 Jul 2026, 11:33 PM

The Congress party on Saturday placed the recent upgrade in India-New Zealand ties in historical context, recalling New Zealand's role in developing India's dairy sector and establishing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The statement came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon announced a strategic partnership between the two nations.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh noted that Modi's visit 'brings back memories of a remarkable man who was key to transforming India-New Zealand relations.' He referred to former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange, who served from 1984 to 1989. Lange chose India for his first overseas visit after assuming office and developed a warm relationship with then Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

'It was David Lange who revived the bilateral relationship that had been productive in the 1950s, with New Zealand assisting in developing India’s dairy industry and also in establishing AIIMS in New Delhi,' Ramesh said in a post on X. He also recalled that Verghese Kurien, the architect of India's White Revolution, visited New Zealand on a government fellowship in 1952-53, which influenced his work. Bilateral ties cooled during the 1960s and 1970s before Lange sought to rebuild them in 1984.

Ramesh also noted that Lange appointed mountaineer Edmund Hillary as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India, and roads in New Delhi's diplomatic enclave honour both Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi and Luxon announced the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership, agreed on a roadmap for expanding cooperation, and set a target of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore by 2030. The two sides also unveiled a framework for Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, a reciprocal logistics support pact between their armed forces, and agreed to institute a maritime security dialogue.

Source: The Hindu

Latest in India 10

india

Indian judge faces death threats after sentencing 14 men to life for lynching

Judge Tabassum Khan, who sentenced 14 men to life imprisonment for lynching a man, has faced online abuse and death threats targeting her religion. Police protection has been provided following a campaign of communal slurs and threats.

BBC News 12 Jul 2026, 12:49 AM

india

India’s FATF Vice Presidency Bolsters Push to Re-Grey List Pakistan

India's appointment of IAS officer Vivek Aggarwal as FATF Vice President strengthens its campaign to re-list Pakistan on the grey list for terror financing. The move gives India greater influence in the global anti-money laundering body.

Indian Express 12 Jul 2026, 01:03 AM

india

Ayodhya Donation Row: BJP Distances from Trust, Pins Hopes on Yogi's Action

BJP leaders in Ayodhya distance themselves from the Ram Temple Trust amid a donation theft controversy, but express confidence in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take action. Party workers await a thorough investigation before responding to opposition criticism.

Indian Express 12 Jul 2026, 01:05 AM

india

15 Indian tourists dead as speedboat capsizes off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island

A speedboat carrying 36 Indian tourists capsized off Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, killing 15. Survivors recount a sudden giant wave. The group was on an incentive trip for Lava mobiles. Rescue operations are underway.

Indian Express 12 Jul 2026, 01:07 AM

india

100 years on: How a hockey tour of New Zealand forged a bond between two nations

Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Indian Army hockey team's 1926 tour of New Zealand, which featured the legendary Dhyan Chand. The tour marked India's first international hockey matches and continues to inspire bilateral sporting ties, with upcoming cricket and football fixtures.

Indian Express 12 Jul 2026, 01:07 AM

india

All India Radio turns 90: How 'Akashvani' became the official name

All India Radio, now officially known as Akashvani, completes 90 years. The name change, enforced in 2023 under the Prasar Bharati Act, has historical roots in Tagore's poetry and colonial-era broadcasting, sparking discussions on language and national identity.

Indian Express 12 Jul 2026, 01:15 AM

india

Chennai Auction House Murray & Co Nears 100 Years of Unbroken Sunday Sales

Murray & Co, founded in 1927, has held Sunday auctions in Chennai almost without fail for 99 years. The auction house has evolved from real estate to retail and industrial auctions, and now embraces online sales while maintaining its traditional physical auctions. As it nears its centenary, the company plans celebrations while continuing its legacy.

The Hindu 12 Jul 2026, 01:22 AM

india

ED raids premises of Shekhar Suman-linked jeweller; past UK gold seizure, foreign assets under lens

The Enforcement Directorate searched premises of jewellery exporter Dharmesh Sangani, co-founder of Shekhar Suman Film Academy, uncovering undisclosed foreign assets and re-examining a 2016 UK gold seizure case. The ED found evidence of FEMA violations, including unrepatriated export proceeds and third-party remittances.

Indian Express 11 Jul 2026, 11:39 PM

india

NIA Chargesheets Pakistan-Based Terrorist Shehzad Bhatti and 7 Indians in Ambala Police Station Car Blast Case

The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against eight individuals, including Pakistan-based Shehzad Bhatti, in connection with an IED blast at Ambala police station. The accused were charged under UAPA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and other laws.

Indian Express 11 Jul 2026, 11:42 PM

india

Ram Temple construction committee chair calls alleged donation theft a 'disgrace'

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, called the alleged theft of donations at the Ayodhya shrine a 'disgrace' and expressed regret, while hoping for improved management.

Indian Express 11 Jul 2026, 11:51 PM

→ View All India News