India and New Zealand Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership, Aim for ₹35,000 Crore Trade by 2030
India and New Zealand on Saturday elevated their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in Auckland. The two leaders set a five-year target to double annual bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore by 2030.
The meeting resulted in 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements. Key among these were a roadmap to expand ties over the next four years, a framework for enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday night for the final leg of his three-nation tour, which focused on strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region amid evolving regional dynamics. The visit follows the recent signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to boost economic ties.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of open and inclusive regional architecture, and reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order. The strategic partnership aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as defence, security, trade, technology, and people-to-people ties.
