Indian PM Modi to make first New Zealand visit in 40 years

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week, marking the first trip by an Indian prime minister to the country in 40 years. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the historic visit on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Modi is scheduled to arrive in Auckland on July 10 for an overnight stay, departing the following day. The visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, which were recently elevated by the signing of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations in April 2026. Luxon stated that India, as one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, is of enormous importance to New Zealand's economic prosperity. He said the FTA would deliver more jobs, higher exports, and stronger economic growth for New Zealand by unlocking new opportunities in a market of 1.4 billion people.

The agreement, which eliminates tariffs on 95 percent of New Zealand's goods exports to India, follows negotiations that were substantively concluded in December 2025. New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay previously stated that two-way trade, currently valued at nearly NZ$4...