NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set for his first-ever visit to New Zealand next week. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon shared the announcement in a statement posted on X.In his statement Luxon wrote, “I’m delighted to announce Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week.” He further added that the two nations are expected to sign a free-trade agreement (FTA) to take the diplomatic ties to the next level.He further wrote, “India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, and a country of enormous importance to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. 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.”Further outlining the potential outcomes he wrote, “This will unlock new opportunities to grow our goods and services exports into a market of 1.4 billion people – bringing more money into Kiwi communities, creating jobs and lifting wages.”The visit follows the signing of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement in April 2026, a landmark pact aimed at expanding cooperation across trade, investment and people-to-people ties. The comprehensive agreement covers market access, agricultural productivity, investment, talent mobility, sports, tourism and educational exchanges, with expected benefits for manufacturers, farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, students and skilled professionals in both countries.This comes after New Zealand trade and investment minister Todd McClay had earlier stated that the two nations are expected to amplify the two-way trade with the FTA. He said that the Indian market has the capability to provide high-quality goods and services, which are actively sought by New Zealand’s consumers.The New Zealand government aims to promote up to $20 billion in investment into India over the next 15 years. To support that goal, the Indian government had agreed to establish a dedicated New Zealand “single desk” to speed up investment approvals.“The Indian government has agreed to set up a special New Zealand desk or single desk to help clear those investments, and so they can take place a lot more quickly. It’s easier for New Zealanders to invest,” McClay said.
