Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his official visit to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland on 10 July, where he was received by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The visit marked the first time in 40 years that an Indian prime minister had travelled to New Zealand. Modi arrived as the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of independent India, leading the world's largest democracy at a time when it has emerged as one of the world's foremost economic and geopolitical powers.
India-New Zealand ties elevated to Strategic Partnership
On the morning of 11 July, Prime Ministers Luxon and Modi elevated the relationship between New Zealand and India to a Strategic Partnership, with ambitions to double bilateral trade and strengthen defence cooperation.
Modi thanked the New Zealand government for its "commitment" to US$20 billion of private investment in India over the next 15 years and invited New Zealand to become part of India's "unique growth story".
The two leaders also unveiled the Roadmap to 2030, outlining commitments across investment, technology, maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture, community engagement and trade.
The agreement was announced after Modi was formally welcomed by Luxon at Government House in Auckland.
As part of the ceremonial welcome, Modi accepted the traditional wero, or challenge, presented by members of the New Zealand Defence Force before joining Luxon to inspect the Honour Guard.
The two prime ministers later held formal bilateral talks alongside senior representatives from both governments. Among those present were Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Defence Minister Chris Penk, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Luxon described the Strategic Partnership as a "major step" in the relationship between New Zealand and India and said it reflected both countries' ambition to "do more together".
In a joint statement, both leaders committed to working together to combat transnational and organised crime, including illicit drug trafficking, financial crime, cyber-enabled crime, terrorism-related offences, people smuggling and human trafficking.
The Roadmap to 2030 is built around seven pillars, with political and diplomatic engagement, defence and security cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation forming its first three priorities.
On defence, both governments agreed to deepen maritime cooperation, including bilateral naval exercises, greater collaboration on cybersecurity and the signing of a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the New Zealand and Indian defence forces.
The roadmap contains no financial commitments and does not create any legally binding rights or obligations.
The two prime ministers also welcomed celebrations marking 100 years of sporting ties between New Zealand and India.
As part of the milestone, they launched the India-New Zealand Joint Action Plan on Sport, aimed at expanding cooperation in sports medicine and strengthening exchanges in rugby, rowing, athletics, golf and bowls.
Sports Minister Mark Mitchell later announced that the New Zealand and Indian men's national football teams will play two international matches in November, with fixtures scheduled to be held in Auckland and Christchurch as part of the centenary celebrations.
'The friendship between our two countries has never been stronger'
Following the official engagements and luncheon, both prime ministers attended the Kia Ora Modi community event at Auckland's Spark Arena.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon opened the programme before a series of traditional and cultural performances.
Addressing thousands gathered at the arena, Luxon reflected on the growing relationship between the two nations.
"Prime Minister, the friendship between our two countries has never been stronger. When I visited you in Delhi last year you welcomed us like family. And you said something I have never forgotten. You called the Indian community here in New Zealand a “living bridge” between our two nations," Luxon said in his speech.
He also reflected on how India had transformed during his lifetime.
"It was in my mid-20s, as a young executive with Unilever-Hindustan Lever, that I first visited India.
I still remember it vividly. In those days, I observed workers being paid at the end of each day. Often with a handful of coins, because a day's wage was counted in coins.
That was the India I first met: full of energy, full of talent, full of potential, but a low-income country.
Now look at India today.," he said.
Modi thanks the diaspora and praises Kiwi Indian achievements
As chants filled Spark Arena, Modi took the stage and said he had brought with him the wishes of 1.4 billion Indians for every member of the Indian community in New Zealand.
He also revealed that he had carried with him a scarf gifted to him during his first visit to New Zealand 30 years ago, drawing one of the loudest cheers from the audience.
Modi acknowledged Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, members of the New Zealand Government and Labour representatives present at the event.
“Their presence represents the bipartisan support for India-New Zealand relations,” PM Modi said.
He also highlighted the contributions of the Indian community across New Zealand, mentioning Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar, former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and cricketers Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel.
'Golden liquid' and the potential of mānuka honey
During his address, Modi spoke about the significance of New Zealand's mānuka honey, drawing parallels with the importance of honey in Ayurveda practised in India.
Describing mānuka honey as a "golden liquid", he said both cultures have long valued honey for its traditional significance as well as its health and wellness benefits.
"I believe we [India] can learn a lot about honey production from New Zealand," PM Modi said in his address at Spark Arena on 11 July.
Tribute to Sikh heritage
Modi also referred to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, saying their message of service, courage and equality continues to inspire generations.
He outlined his government's efforts to safeguard Sikh traditions, improve access to Sikh places of worship and honour the legacy of the Sahibzadas.
The reference was to the two sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, whose martyrdom on 26 December 1704 is widely regarded as one of the greatest examples of sacrifice in Sikh history.
Modi also paid tribute to the historic Jore Sahib, the sacred footwear of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur, preserved for generations.
Warm welcome from the community
Thousands of community members gathered at Spark Arena, with many waiting in long queues for an opportunity to see the Indian Prime Minister.
The enthusiasm was reflected in the reactions of attendees throughout the event.
"We just love you and we can do anything for you," said one members inside Spark Arena.\
"He is an amazing leader, he is really nice and he does a lot of work for our community," said a young fan sitting at Spark arena waiting for the event to start.
"Kia ora Modiji, we love you. you are an inspiration to all of us," said a group of performers.
Before departing New Zealand on the evening of 11 July, Modi also met prominent business and sports personalities in Auckland.
Following a day of official engagements and community celebrations, the Indian Prime Minister departed New Zealand late on 11 July, where he was farewelled at the airport by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
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