New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announces that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first official visit to New Zealand next week. Multiple reports say the visit marks a significant milestone in bilateral ties, with Modi expected to arrive in Auckland on July 10 for a two-day engagement ending July 11. Luxon says the trip follows the signing of the India–New Zealand free trade agreement earlier in April. Ahead of Modi’s arrival, Luxon states that 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India will be tariff-free “from day one,” describing the deal as enabling duty-free access and improved market access for New Zealand businesses. Other reporting also characterizes the agreement as eliminating a large share of tariffs on goods traded between the two countries, with one outlet citing that 95% of tariffs on goods from New Zealand are removed. The FTA is presented as intended to boost trade in goods and services and encourage investment. Sources also note that the visit is at Luxon’s invitation, and that it is the first time an Indian prime minister visits New Zealand in nearly four decades.
Modi to make first New Zealand visit in decades amid India–NZ free trade deal
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announces that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first official visit to New Zealand next week. Multiple reports say the visit marks a...
- Christopher Luxon says Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week.
- Reports say Modi is expected to arrive in Auckland on July 10 and stay for two days, through July 11.
- India and New Zealand sign a free trade agreement in April.
- Luxon says 57% of New Zealand’s exports to India will be tariff-free from the start of the deal.
- At least one report says the agreement removes 95% of tariffs on goods from New Zealand.
"New Zealand businesses are set to boom with our India Trade Deal. 57% of everything we export to India will be tariff-free from day one," PM Luxon
2 hours agoPM Modi is expected to arrive in Auckland on July 10; India-New Zealand signed a free trade agreement in April
3 hours agoModi is set to undertake a two-day state visit to New Zealand from July 10 to 11, at the invitation of New Zealand PM Luxon, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in nearly four decades.
4 hours agoNew Delhi, July 3, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced on Friday. While confirming the visit through a post on social media, Luxon did not reveal the exact dates of Modi's trip."I'm delighted to announce Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week," Luxon said, describing the visit as an important milestone in bilateral ties.I’m delighted to announce Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week. India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, and a country of enormous importance to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. We are…— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) July 3, 2026A New Chapter In Bilateral TiesHighlighting India's growing global economic influence, Luxon said the country is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies and is vital to New Zealand's economic future. He said the two nations are taking their relationship to the next level through the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April.According to Luxon, the agreement is expected to create jobs, boost exports and support stronger economic growth in New Zealand. He said it would also open up opportunities for New Zealand businesses by providing access to India's 1.4 billion-strong market, bringing more income to Kiwi communities, creating employment and lifting wages, PTI reports.Trade Deal Strengthens PartnershipIndia and New Zealand signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) earlier this year to boost trade in goods and services and encourage investment between the two countries. The agreement gives duty-free access to 100% of India's exports to New Zealand.For India, the FTA provides greater access to a high-income, rules-based Pacific market and supports its broader Indo-Pacific economic strategy. For New Zealand, it offers more secure access to one of the world's fastest-growing major economies at a time of increasing uncertainty in global trade.Also Watch: India, New Zealand Seal Landmark FTA With 5,000 Visas And Major Trade Liberalisation PushThe growing economic relationship is reflected in trade figures. Bilateral merchandise trade between India and New Zealand stood at $1.3 billion in 2024–25, while total trade in goods and services reached about $2.4 billion in 2024. Services trade alone touched $1.24 billion, driven by travel, IT and business services, underlining the expanding scope of cooperation between the two countries.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
5 days agoIndia and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement earlier in April, this year to boost trade in goods and services and encourage investment between the two countries.
6 days agoIn April 2026, the two nations signed a free trade agreement in April that will eliminate 95% of tariffs on goods from New Zealand
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