Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to New Zealand next week for his first official visit to the country, an announcement confirmed by New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday (3 July), the Indian Express reported .
Sharing the update on X, Luxon expressed happiness over hosting Modi and referred to India as among the largest and fastest expanding economies in the world. He noted that India holds significant value for New Zealand's economic future.
Luxon also spoke about how the relationship between the two nations is entering a new phase through the New Zealand India Free Trade Agreement that was finalised in April, stating it would help increase exports, generate employment and support economic growth on both sides.
He mentioned that the pact would give New Zealand businesses access to a market of 1.4 billion people, potentially bringing greater income to communities in New Zealand and contributing to higher wages.
The Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand was signed earlier this year in April with the aim of expanding trade in goods and services while encouraging cross border investment.
Under the agreement, all Indian exports will get duty free entry into New Zealand.
The deal also gives India a stronger foothold in a wealthy Pacific market, while allowing New Zealand greater access to one of the fastest growing major economies globally.
Trade figures show that merchandise trade between the two nations touched USD 1.3 billion in 2024-25, while combined trade in goods and services was close to USD 2.4 billion in 2024.
Of this, services trade contributed USD 1.24 billion, largely fuelled by travel, IT and business related services.