India and New Zealand Forge Full Strategic Partnership

India's relationship with New Zealand has entered a new phase following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, according to an article published by NZIIA (New Zealand Institute of International Affairs). During his two-day visit, Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon upgraded ties between the two countries to a full Strategic Partnership.

The partnership is backed by a four-year 'Roadmap to 2030' that spans defence, trade, maritime security, agriculture, tourism, sports, culture, and science. India has gained importance in New Zealand's long-term strategy as it is among the fastest-growing major economies and is projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030 with a GDP estimated at around $7 trillion.

Modi and Luxon set a formal target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion (about $4.2 billion) by 2030 during their Auckland visit. The 'Roadmap to 2030' sets a four-year framework for cooperation across various sectors, including defence, trade, maritime security, tourism, agriculture, sports, scientific research, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral engagement.