Modi-Luxon Agreement Ushers in New Era for India-New Zealand Relations

India and New Zealand have upgraded their bilateral ties to a full Strategic Partnership following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, marking the first by an Indian Premier in two decades.

The Roadmap to 2030, a four-year framework for cooperation, was signed during the two-day visit. The plan covers defense, trade, maritime security, agriculture, tourism, sports, culture, and science.

New Zealand has gained importance in India's long-term strategy due to its fast-growing economy, projected to become the world's third-largest by 2030 with a GDP of around $7 trillion (NZ$12 trillion). The Indian middle class is expected to exceed 700 million people, creating one of the largest consumer markets on Earth.

The two countries set a formal target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion (about $4.2 billion) by 2030. PM Modi's visit produced 18 outcomes, including 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding that go beyond trade.

Defense and maritime security dominated the agenda, with India and New Zealand signing a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement to enable their navies to access each other's facilities for refueling, replenishment, and maintenance during deployments.