Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday promoted India as a prime investment destination, informing business leaders in New Zealand that the country serves not merely as a market but as a launchpad for worldwide expansion. The announcement accompanied an ambitious plan to strengthen economic and strategic relations after the recent Free Trade Agreement. Speaking at the India-New Zealand Business and Sports Engagement event, Modi noted the FTA, completed in nine months, would open new avenues in market access, investment, technology, services and talent movement. He expressed optimism that bilateral trade would double by 2030 and highlighted New Zealand’s pledge to invest 20 billion US dollars in India over 15 years. Modi described India as the fastest-growing major economy, citing its expanding middle class, digital growth and infrastructure projects. He pointed to reforms in governance and invited New Zealand to collaborate on urban development under the Smart Cities Mission. The visit also elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, yielding 18 documents covering defence, maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management, tourism, agriculture, sports, education and culture.
