PM Luxon Praises India's Economic Rise, Calls for Stronger Business Ties
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Saturday hailed India's economic transformation, describing it as a remarkable achievement, and urged businesses from both nations to collaborate more closely to unlock new markets and trade opportunities.
Speaking at an event titled 'India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership', attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to New Zealand, Mr. Luxon recalled his first visit to India in the mid-1990s when he worked for Unilever. He noted the significant change since then, particularly under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, citing the lifting of 250 million people out of poverty and the growth of the middle class to 440 million, projected to reach 750 million by the end of the decade.
Mr. Luxon emphasised areas for bilateral collaboration, including food production, tourism, education, and technology. He referenced Viktor Frankl's concept of three key societal actors—government, business, and community leaders—and called on all to work together to realise shared opportunities.
He encouraged New Zealand businesses to visit India and understand its consumers, whom he described as highly discerning, and to tailor their products and services for both Indian and New Zealand markets.
Prime Minister Modi invited New Zealand businesses to invest in various sectors of the Indian economy, highlighting shared democratic values, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development as a foundation for a forward-looking economic partnership. He also noted that the India-New Zealand free trade agreement, signed in April 2026, would deepen bilateral economic ties and enhance market access, investment, and talent mobility.
Following wide-ranging talks between the two leaders, 18 key outcomes were announced, including the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
