NEW DELHI: External affairs ministry on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6-11 to deepen India’s engagement with the three countries. During the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will visit Indonesia after which he will be travelling to Australia where his main engagements will be held in Melbourne. For the final leg of his visit, PM Modi will travel to New Zealand. Speaking to reporters, Secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry Rudrendra Tandon said that PM Modi’s visit to New Zealand would be special as it would be the first by any Indian prime minister in nearly 40 years.New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announcing the decision also said that PM Modi will make his official visit to the country next week. “I’m delighted to announce Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week,” Luxon posted on social media.Luxon further called India as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies and holds enormous importance to New Zealand as well. “We are taking the two countries’ relationship to the next level with our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April, which will deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth for New Zealand,” he said.Referring to India and New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA), Luxon said that the deal will unlock new opportunities, opening a market of 1.4 billion people for goods and services from New Zealand, ‘bringing more money into Kiwi communities, creating jobs and lifting wages’. The FTA was inked earlier this year to boost two-way commerce in goods and services and promote investments.
