Modi begins first New Zealand visit in 40 years, meeting Luxon on trade and defence

New Delhi: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said that the Khalistan issue has caused "a huge amount of pain, loss, and suffering" in India, but asserted that it will not derail the growing partnership between the two countries, according to a report."We won’t tolerate intimidation or violence," he said in an interview, as per a Khalsa Vox report. Stressing that freedom of speech is cherished, he, however, warned that strict police action will be taken against threats, intimidation, or criminal behaviour related to Khalistan elements. This approach demonstrates a growing acknowledgement that a vocal minority do not represent the views of the whole Sikh community in New Zealand or the Sikhs around the world."Luxon’s government is striking the right chord: upholding liberal values without naivety. By marginalising extremists and elevating the productive mainstream of the Sikh community, New Zealand is fostering an environment where genuine cultural exchange flourishes. As India and New Zealand chart a forward-looking partnership, this sensible approach ensures that fleeting controversies do not overshadow shared opportunities in a multipolar world," the Khalsa Vox report said.India, New Zealand Elevate Ties To Strategic Partnership; PM Modi Unveils Roadmap 2030 Luxon's remarks come at a time when India and New Zealand are deepening economic and strategic ties.Indian-origin New Zealand MP Parmjeet Parmar said that pro-Khalistan protesters are "a very small number" that can be "counted on your fingertips." She said that pro-Khalistan protesters do not represent the views of the wider community, even the Sikhs in New Zealand, according to the report.Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to New Zealand from July 10-11. In a special gesture, PM Luxon saw off PM Modi at the airport as he emplaned for New Delhi after concluding his visit.During his visit, PM Modi held discussions with Luxon at the Government House in Auckland. Their talks covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, defence and security, agri-tech, sports, education, tourism, culture and people-to-people ties.Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of defence and maritime security, hydrography, sports, disaster management, dairy, tourism, maritime heritage, culture, food technology and ocean research.'We Are On The Same Team': PM Narendra Modi Launches Landmark India-New Zealand Sports Action Plan, Marks 100 Years Of Sporting Ties | Video Later, PM Modi and Luxon interacted with a select group of CEOs and business leaders. PM Modi described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a landmark that would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties, and open new opportunities for market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility.The two leaders also attended a special Gala luncheon event themed 'India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership' which was attended by eminent personalities from the fields of politics, business, industry, academia, technology, sports, and the arts.Prime Minister Modi and Luxon did a walk-through of the innovative sports equipment that was put on display at the venue. They also interacted with decorated athletes from New Zealand and other stakeholders associated with high-performance sports.PM Modi addressed a huge gathering of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand at the 'Kia Ora Modi' event, which was attended by 10,000 members of the Indian community. PM Luxon also joined the event as a special gesture.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

The landmark India-New Zealand free trade agreement would add depth and dynamism to the bilateral economic ties and open new opportunities for market access, investment and talent mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday. In an interaction with a select group of CEOs and business leaders, PM Modi emphasised that the two nations' shared democratic values, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development provide a robust foundation for an ambitious, forward-looking economic partnership. The prime minister made the remarks shortly after holding wide-ranging talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon that produced 18 key outcomes including elevation of the bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership. Modi landed in Auckland on Friday on the final leg of his three-nation tour that largely focused on expanding economic and security cooperation. It is the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister after a gap of 40 years and comes

From a Strategic Partnership and a new trade target to direct flight plans and agricultural cooperation, here's what emerged from PM Modi's first visit to New Zealand.

Defence & Security Cooperation, Talent Mobility Also On Agenda

Auckland [New Zealand], July 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Auckland on Friday. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders shared a warm embrace.PM Modi is visiting New Zealand at the invitation of Luxon. This is the first official visit of an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. In Auckland, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Luxon and review the entire gamut of the bilateral relationship, which has seen significant progress in the last two years, especially in the areas of trade and commerce and defence, as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.While in Auckland, the Prime Minister will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties that exist between India and New Zealand, the Prime Minister will address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora during the visit, as per MEA.PM Modi Becomes First Indian Prime Minister To Visit New Zealand In 40 Years, Receives Warm Welcome From PM Luxon | VideoIndia-New Zealand tiesAfter the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in April this year, the visit of Prime Minister Modi is expected to work as a catalyst and generate momentum in trade and bilateral relations. Both the PMs earlier held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, during the official visit of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India.Before arriving in Auckland, PM Modi concluded a highly successful visit to Australia, during which he participated in the third Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit along with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.Australia summit outcomesThe visit marked a significant milestone in the two nations' six-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting, hosted in Melbourne, resulted in a landmark suite of agreements focused on reinforcing the Indo-Pacific's security architecture, securing critical mineral supply chains, and accelerating the transition to clean energy.According to the joint statement, central to the summit was the release of a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation, which effectively replaces the 2009 security pact and deepens military integration."Australia values India as a top-tier security partner, and the Declaration reflects our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Prime Minister Albanese stated. "We will boost strategic coordination, increase the complexity of our defence exercises and further build interoperability between our defence forces."Defence and nuclear cooperationPrime Minister Modi underscored the practical implications of this shift, noting the creation of an India-Australia Defence Innovation Corridor."Through the India-Australia Defence Innovation Corridor, we will work to connect defence startups and industries," Modi said. "Our maritime security collaboration roadmap will infuse new strength to our shared efforts in the Indo-Pacific."Another major breakthrough of the summit was the finalisation of the administrative arrangements required to implement the 2015 Australia-India Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. This milestone paves the way for the export of Australian uranium to India, exclusively for peaceful, IAEA-safeguarded civil nuclear energy programmes.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland for a historic two-day visit. He was welcomed by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the airport. Discussions will focus on trade, commerce, and defence cooperation between the nations. This visit follows the recent signing of a Free Trade Agreement in April. Modi will also engage with the Indian diaspora and prominent personalities.