Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon on Monday issued a joint press statement and witnessed the exchange of agreements between the two countries in Delhi. The meeting, which came as part of Luxon’s official visit to India, focused on a range of issues, including economic cooperation, trade expansion, and regional security.
Prime Minister Modi expressed concerns over anti-India elements in New Zealand and the two countries also inked a defence cooperation pact. Both the prime ministers also held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House in the national capital. During the joint press statement with Luxon, PM Modi today said, I welcome PM Luxon and his cabinet to India. PM Luxon is connected to India. We saw how he celebrated Holi recently. We are happy that a young leader like him is our chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue 2025.
Prime Minister Modi said, “Work will be done by India and New Zealand to formulate an agreement to deal with the issue of illegal migration.” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon began his five-day visit to India on Sunday with a focus on deepening the bilateral trade and economic ties with New Delhi. The two nations announced the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Shortly after arriving in the national capital, the leader of the wealthy Pacific nation described India as a country of “huge importance” to New Zealand’s prosperity, security, and society.
Shortly after arriving in the national capital, the leader of the wealthy Pacific nation described India as a country of “huge importance” to New Zealand’s prosperity, security, and society. “India provides huge economic opportunity for Kiwis. That’s why I’m here and that’s why I’ve brought a senior delegation of business and community leaders with me.
Luxon paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, honoring India’s historical and cultural significance. In his statements to the press, Luxon expressed his commitment to enhancing New Zealand’s relationship with India, noting that the Indian government had been “incredibly generous and welcoming” during his visit. He also highlighted the importance of his large delegation, which consists of business and community leaders, emphasizing their role in strengthening ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Luxon met with a wide range of community and business leaders, reinforcing the cultural and economic bonds that bind India and New Zealand. He also met with notable figures like cricketers Ajaz Patel and Ross Taylor, who symbolize the strong cultural link between the two countries.
Following his meeting with PM Modi, Luxon is expected to witness the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at Hyderabad House, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations. He will then visit Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Droupadi Murmu. India and New Zealand have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1952, and their ties continue to flourish based on shared Commonwealth connections, democratic values, and mutual commitments to economic growth and regional stability.