Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for the final leg of his three-nation tour, where he was warmly received by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The visit marks a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations, with both countries expected to conclude negotiations on a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expand cooperation across trade, investment and strategic sectors.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Luxon and senior members of the New Zealand government. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic ties, enhancing bilateral trade and deepening cooperation in areas including technology, agriculture, education, clean energy and regional security.

FTA Expected to Be Finalised

A key highlight of the visit is the expected signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The proposed pact aims to improve market access, boost bilateral trade, encourage investment flows and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Officials from both sides have been working on the agreement to expand economic engagement and remove barriers to trade, making it one of the most significant outcomes anticipated from the visit.

Business and Community Engagement

Apart from official meetings, Prime Minister Modi will participate in a business event aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships between Indian and New Zealand companies. He is also scheduled to attend a sporting event during his stay.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will address nearly 40,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the "Kia Ora Modi" community programme in Auckland. The event has been organised by the Indian community to welcome the Prime Minister and celebrate the growing ties between the two nations.

The Indian diaspora in New Zealand is regarded as an important bridge in bilateral relations, contributing significantly to trade, education and cultural exchanges.

First Indian PM Visit in Four Decades

Prime Minister Modi's visit is being described as historic, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in around 40 years. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit the country was Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.

The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation in multiple sectors.

Australia Leg Focused on Strategic Partnerships

Before arriving in New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi concluded the Australian leg of his tour, where India and Australia announced a series of agreements covering defence, trade, critical minerals, space cooperation and energy.

Following talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne, the two leaders announced plans to jointly develop a Critical Minerals Corridor, while Australia also agreed to host a space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

The two countries also finalised a uranium cooperation agreement, further strengthening their strategic partnership.

Visit to Melbourne Cricket Ground

During his stay in Australia, Prime Minister Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) alongside Prime Minister Albanese and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.

At the venue, Modi announced that the opening match of Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) this December would be played in Chennai, marking the first time the Australian domestic T20 league will stage a match in India.

The Prime Minister also addressed a gathering of nearly 30,000 members of the Indian community in Melbourne, where he highlighted the growing partnership between India and Australia and praised Australia's decision to restrict social media access for children below the age of 16.

With his arrival in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi now begins the final phase of his foreign tour, which is expected to focus on expanding India's engagement with New Zealand through stronger economic cooperation, strategic dialogue and people-to-people ties.