Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the proposed India-New Zealand trade agreement would significantly benefit New Zealand businesses by expanding access to the Indian market.
In a post on X, Luxon announced that 57 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India would become tariff-free from the first day once the agreement comes into effect.
He said the trade deal would create new opportunities for businesses by reducing trade barriers and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit New Zealand from July 10 to 11 at the invitation of Luxon. The visit will be the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly 40 years.
During the visit, the two leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions covering trade, investment, defence, technology and other areas of cooperation. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, India-New Zealand relations have gained momentum in recent years, particularly in commerce and strategic partnerships.
Modi is also expected to interact with business leaders, sports personalities and members of the Indian diaspora during his stay in Auckland.
New Zealand is the final destination of Modi’s three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, following visits to Indonesia and Australia. The tour aims to strengthen India’s engagement with key regional partners while expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defence, critical minerals and technology.
The visit comes as countries across the Indo-Pacific seek stronger economic partnerships, resilient supply chains and greater regional cooperation amid evolving geopolitical developments.
