Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Auckland on Friday for a state visit to New Zealand, the last stop of his three-country tour. He was welcomed at the airport by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Footage showed the Indian aircraft landing, after which Modi descended the steps, shook hands and embraced his counterpart. This marks the first Indian prime ministerial state visit to New Zealand in over four decades. The two-day trip, at Luxon’s invitation, seeks to strengthen bilateral relations following Luxon’s March 2025 visit to India and the recent free trade agreement. Talks will cover economic, trade and defence cooperation. Modi will also meet business and sports figures and address the Indian community. The leaders will assess progress in trade, commerce and defence over the past two years. Modi stated the tour advances India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and commitment to a free Indo-Pacific. The visit follows summits in Australia and Indonesia.
