India and New Zealand elevate their bilateral relationship into a “strategic partnership” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Auckland. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the upgrade is agreed during Modi’s trip and is accompanied by the signing of 18 agreements covering cooperation across defence, trade and security, according to multiple reports. The partnership is framed as a roadmap through 2030. On trade, the countries set a goal to increase bilateral commerce, with one reported target of reaching NZ$7 billion by 2030 and related ambitions to double trade by that timeframe. In the security domain, both sides plan to strengthen maritime security cooperation. Coverage also highlights collaboration on disaster management, alongside broader security and defence engagement under the 2030 plan. Overall, the agreements and the stated objectives focus on expanding practical cooperation in areas including maritime safety and preparedness, while deepening trade links alongside defence and security coordination.