Community leaders hail PM Modi's visit as landmark moment for New Zealand-India ties

Excitement is building across New Zealand's Indian community as preparations gather pace for the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this week.

The New Zealand Government has officially announced that Prime Minister Modi will visit New Zealand on 10 July 2026. He is scheduled to arrive in Auckland on Friday, 10 July, and depart on Saturday, 11 July, following a community event at Spark Arena.

The visit comes after New Zealand and India concluded a Free Trade Agreement, with community leaders describing the trip as a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two countries.

National Party candidate Mahesh Muralidhar said Prime Minister Modi's visit carries both economic and diplomatic significance.

"It is incredibly powerful that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to New Zealand to recognise and acknowledge the Free Trade Agreement that has been achieved."

Muralidhar said the agreement would unlock substantial economic opportunities for New Zealand.

"New Zealand will be able to secure so much economic growth because of Free Trade Agreement."

He also praised the efforts of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay in securing the deal.

"It is a remarkable achievement by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Todd McClay."

Highlighting the broader geopolitical significance of the visit, Muralidhar added,

"It is also a powerful statement for the world in an increasingly complex world, relationships are so important and New Zealand is so much more secure when we have such a strong relationship with one of the most powerful countries in the world - that is India."

Community leader Ilango Krishnamoorthy also spoke about the significance of welcoming Prime Minister Modi to New Zealand, describing him as a global leader who has elevated India's presence on the world stage.

"Modi ji is truly the pride of India."

Reflecting on the Prime Minister's connection with India's cultural heritage, Krishnamoorthy said,

"As a Tamil, it moves me to see him honour our language on every global stage."

He said the visit holds special meaning for Indians living in New Zealand.

"His visit to New Zealand feels special for all of us here. In my lifetime I’ve seen thirteen Prime Ministers, but none with his devotion."

Krishnamoorthy added that he admired the Indian Prime Minister's approach to representing all Indians.

"He doesn’t represent a select few — he carries every Indian, even those who don’t support him, with equal dignity."

He concluded by saying, "living in the same era as Prime Minister Modi feels like a blessing."

"His commitment to Indians worldwide is tireless and heartfelt."

Community leader Narendra Bhana said the strengthening relationship between India and New Zealand reflects the importance of Prime Minister Modi's visit.

"What we are witnessing today will help build a stronger future for both economies and create many new opportunities for members of the Indian community in New Zealand," Bhana told The Indian Weekender.

He also congratulated both governments and the Indian community on reaching the milestone.

"I congratulate the Indian community on this achievement, and I also commend both governments for working together to make it a reality."

“The arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Zealand is a moment of great pride and excitement for every member of the Indian diaspora. It is a recognition of the extraordinary journey of India–New Zealand ties and the important bridge our community continues to build between our two countries. This visit has the potential to ignite new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger”.

Raj Pardeep, a who has served as a leader of the Indian community as well for a long time and now also the Founder Principal of Legal Associates called the arrival of Prime Minister "moment of great pride and excitement for every member of the Indian diaspora".

"It is a recognition of the extraordinary journey of India–New Zealand ties and the important bridge our community continues to build between our two countries."

He said the visit has the potential to ignite new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger”.

Community leader and Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust chairman Jeet Suchdev said the visit is a historic occasion, noting that it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades.

Calling it a "proud moment", Suchdev said anticipation within the Indian community continues to grow.

"Everyone is saying the same thing, they just hope to catch a glimpse of him."

With the Free Trade Agreement already in place, Suchdev said the visit would further strengthen ties between New Zealand and India and elevate the partnership between the two countries.