India, New Zealand seal strategic partnership, set Rs 35,000 crore trade goal

India and New Zealand on Saturday elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and set a five-year target of doubling annual bilateral trade in goods and services to Rs 35,000 crore by 2030 following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon.

The meeting produced 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements. Among the key decisions were a roadmap to expand bilateral ties over the next four years, a framework to enhance Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.

According to a joint statement, Modi and Luxon exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open and prosperous region. They also stressed the importance of safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rules-based international order.

The two prime ministers called for freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

There could be immense economic opportunities in sectors such as services, technology and talent mobility. India’s PLI Schemes have helped strengthen manufacturing. At the same time, there is rapid growth in infrastructure be it airports, regional connectivity, cargo and… pic.twitter.com/rS4pJYsYdN

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026

In line with efforts to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, both countries also agreed to establish a maritime security dialogue to enhance cooperation, coordination and information sharing.

Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday night in the third and final leg of his three-nation tour, which largely focused on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific against the backdrop of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

The visit followed the recent signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Addressing the talks, Modi said closer cooperation between India and New Zealand, both maritime nations, would strengthen the Indo-Pacific.

This has been a great year for the India-New Zealand partnership. Earlier this year, our nations concluded a Free Trade Agreement in record time and now, we have elevated our ties to a Strategic Partnership. Next up, we wish to double bilateral trade by 2030! https://t.co/IyR5qpUt2X

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2026

“As two maritime nations, our close cooperation, lends new strength to the Indo-Pacific, and our ties can infuse fresh energy into achieving our shared goals of peace,” the prime minister said in Hindi.

The two leaders agreed to work towards an aspirational goal of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to 7 billion New Zealand dollars, or approximately Rs 35,000 crore, by 2030.

They also resolved to work together to ensure the early entry into force of the FTA.

Discussing the conflict in West Asia, Modi and Luxon expressed concern over the renewed escalation of tensions and called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions and ensure the protection of civilians, the joint statement said.

“They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping,” it said.

The two leaders also reiterated the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

Modi and Luxon also backed “bold and effective” reform of the United Nations and reaffirmed their support for the expansion of the Security Council.