PM Modi departs for New Zealand after Australia visit; civil nuclear deal sealed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for New Zealand on Friday (July 10, 2026) after concluding a three-day visit to Australia. During the visit, India and Australia signed several landmark agreements covering civil nuclear energy, maritime security, and critical minerals.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed gratitude: 'As my Australia visit concludes, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Australia as well as to PM Albanese for their warmth. The outcomes of this visit have further strengthened our partnership and opened new avenues for cooperation across diverse sectors.'

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong saw off the Prime Minister at the airport. The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as reinforcing the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with new collaborations in defence, economy, education, sports, and community ties.

PM Modi is on a three-nation tour covering Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, aimed at boosting trade, energy, and defence ties. The final leg to New Zealand is at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. During his two-day stay, Modi will hold bilateral talks and address the Indian diaspora.

Before departing, Modi said his talks with Luxon would focus on enhancing economic, trade, and commercial engagements, building on the momentum from Luxon's visit to India in March 2025. He noted that India and New Zealand are committed to strengthening ties with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement.

In Australia, Modi held summit talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing defence cooperation especially in the maritime domain. A key achievement was the civil nuclear energy agreement, allowing commercial supply of uranium from Australia to India after over two years of negotiations.

Earlier, in Indonesia, Modi signed 14 agreements covering critical minerals, maritime security, and other sectors.