Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand, first by an Indian premier in 40 years, has resulted in elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi made a major announcement that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is officially being connected to New Zealand’s fast-payment network. This will be a core feature of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership. Indian travelers, students, and businesses will be able to make cross-border digital payments directly, bypassing traditional wire delays and high currency conversion fees. Modi arrived in the Kiwi capital of Auckland on 10th July night as the final leg of his three-nation tour with an eye on growing India’s cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Modi was given an unusually warm welcome at the airport by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. On 11th July 2026, India and New Zealand held the first round of heads of government level talks including exchanges between business delegations.

This was followed by the announcement that the now strategic partnership will set a goal to double the annual bilateral trade in goods and services to US Dollars 3.7 billion by 2030. The countries have signed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The visit has resulted in 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements. Notably, a roadmap was set up to expand ties in the next four years, a framework for enhancing Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and a reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force. Modi attended a diaspora event and said that the India-New Zealand relationship is built on cherished memories, friendship, shared values and commitment. It is noteworthy that Indian immigrants in the Kiwi country are among the fastest growing population.

Prime Minister Modi also visited an exhibition showcasing New Zealand’s innovative sports equipment and technologies, demonstrated by some of the country’s leading athletes and sporting icons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India and New Zealand have resolved to fight terrorism “shoulder to shoulder” by establishing a dedicated Joint Working Group, while simultaneously strengthening their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and comprehensive reforms in the United Nations. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon complimented PM Modi for lifting India’s 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty and a middle class that’s growing from 440 million now to a projected 750 million by 2030. Luxon called the numbers “an incredible transformation”. Modi has recommended a delegation of businessmen under the age of 35 from both countries to visit each other to help prepare the younger generation.

The full list of outcomes is attached.