India‑New Zealand Strategic Partnership – Trade and Maritime Cooperation
On 11 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon upgraded bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. They set a five‑year goal to double annual bilateral trade in goods and services to ₹35,000 crore (≈ 7 billion NZD) by 2030. The meeting produced 18 outcomes, including ten agreements covering trade, defence and maritime security.
Key Developments
- Adoption of a roadmap for the next four years to deepen economic and security ties.
- Signing of a framework to enhance Indo‑Pacific maritime cooperation.
- Reciprocal logistics support pact between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.
- Agreement to establish a Maritime Security Dialogue.
- Commitment to fast‑track the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Joint call for freedom of navigation under the UNCLOS and for the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Support for “bold and effective” reform of the United Nations and expansion of the Security Council.
Important Facts
The two leaders emphasized shared commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo‑Pacific. They called for safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity and a rules‑based international order. The trade target of