Source DW.com
AUCKLAND — Marking a historic milestone in Indo-Pacific diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a monumental two-day visit to New Zealand on Saturday. The visit—the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in 40 years—culminated in both countries officially elevating their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
New Zealand served as the final leg of PM Modi’s high-profile three-nation tour, which also included strategic stops in Indonesia and Australia.
A Vision to Double Bilateral Trade
Following intensive delegation-level talks between PM Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Government House in Auckland, the two nations established an ambitious economic roadmap. They have set a five-year target to double annual bilateral trade in goods and services, aiming to reach ₹35,000 crore ($7 billion NZD) by 2030.
The summit yielded a total of 18 concrete outcomes and 10 formal agreements, spanning maritime security, trade, technology, and counter-terrorism.
Key Defense and Maritime Compacts
Against the backdrop of shifting dynamics and growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, the two democracies significantly deepened their defense alignment. Key outcomes from the summit include:
Indo-Pacific Maritime Cooperation: A comprehensive framework to enhance joint coordination, dialogue, and information exchange.
Mutual Logistics Support Agreement: A reciprocal pact signed between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force to streamline logistics during joint activities.
Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group: A new collaborative mechanism established to coordinate global counter-terrorism efforts and share intelligence.
“Waka is not merely a boat. It is a symbol of a shared journey. The India–New Zealand Waka is ready to embark on a new voyage together.”
— Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora.
‘Kia Ora Modi’: Cultural Bridges and High Praise
The historic visit began with a traditional Māori welcome at the Government House, featuring customary peace and respect rituals. It concluded with the massive “Kia Ora Modi” community event in Auckland, where over 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome the Prime Minister.
In a rare and special gesture, PM Luxon joined PM Modi at the community event and offered high praise for India’s rapid economic transformation over the past decade.
“In just the last decade, 250 million Indians were lifted out of poverty. The number of airports more than doubled… India has landed a spacecraft on the Moon’s South Pole,” Luxon told the roaring crowd. “The 21st century will be shaped by India, and Prime Minister Modi is one of the most important leaders of our time.”
Following the successful conclusion of the summit and a personal send-off by Prime Minister Luxon at the airport, PM Modi departed for New Delhi, wrapping up a tour that the Ministry of External Affairs has hailed as a definitive turning point for India’s ties in the Indo-Pacific.
