New Zealand Next On PM Modi’s Three-Nation Tour After Australia Meetings
PM Modi begins final New Zealand leg today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday departed for Auckland from Melbourne, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour after concluding a three-day visit to Australia. Modi is visiting New Zealand from July 10 to 11 at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, in what will be the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades. During his visit to Auckland, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Luxon and review the progress of India-New Zealand relations.
The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of areas, including trade, commerce, defence cooperation, education, technology and people-to-people ties. The relationship between the two countries has witnessed increased engagement in recent years, particularly in economic and strategic areas. The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi's visit reflects the growing importance of India-New Zealand ties and the strong connections between the two societies.
"In Auckland, the Prime Minister will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities. In a reflection of the strong people-to-people ties that exist between India and New Zealand, he will address a large gathering of the Indian Diaspora during the visit," the ministry said in a statement. Before travelling to New Zealand, Modi completed a key visit to Australia, where he participated in the third India-Australia Annual Summit and held discussions with senior political and business leaders.
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The summit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors and reviewing progress under the strategic partnership between the two countries. During his stay in Melbourne, Modi held delegation-level and bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Government House. The two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation between India and Australia. Modi also met Victoria Governor Margaret Gardner AC, Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor during the visit.
The Prime Minister also engaged with Australia's business community, addressing leaders at the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne. The event, attended by Prime Minister Albanese, highlighted opportunities for greater investment, trade collaboration and economic partnerships between the two countries. Modi also addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, highlighting the contribution of the Indian community to Australia's social, cultural and economic landscape.
The interaction was seen as an important part of his Australia visit, reflecting the role of overseas Indians in strengthening bilateral relations. The New Zealand leg of the tour is expected to further deepen India's engagement with the Indo-Pacific region. The visit comes at a time when both countries are looking to expand cooperation in areas such as supply chains, defence, maritime security and economic partnerships. Officials from both sides are expected to discuss ways to build on recent momentum and strengthen the long-term partnership between India and New Zealand.
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