New Zealand PM Says Partnership With India Will Boost Trade, Jobs: 'We’ve Lifted Our Relationship'

Published 12 July 2026 · india

New Zealand PM Says Partnership With India Will Boost Trade, Jobs: 'We’ve Lifted Our Relationship' Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 08:59 IST New

New Zealand PM Says Partnership With India Will Boost Trade, Jobs: 'We’ve Lifted Our Relationship' Published By, Last Updated: July 12, 2026, 08:59 IST New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon says India and New Zealand have elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership with a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the new Strategic Partnership with India aims to double bilateral trade by 2030 and boost jobs and economic growth (Photo: X/@chrisluxonmp) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Sunday announced that India and New Zealand have elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and committed to doubling bilateral trade by 2030, saying the move would generate jobs, raise wages and bring more money into New Zealand communities. Luxon made the announcement in a post on X after holding talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Indian leader’s two-day official visit to New Zealand. “New Zealand and India have agreed a new deal that builds on our free trade agreement. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in New Zealand, we’ve lifted our relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with a plan to double trade between our countries by 2030 – meaning more money flowing back into Kiwi communities, creating jobs and boosting wages here at home," Luxon posted.

New Zealand and India have agreed a new deal that builds on our free trade agreement.With Prime Minister @narendramodi here in New Zealand, we’ve lifted our relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with a plan to double trade between our countries by 2030 – meaning more money… pic.twitter.com/r1JS2VUXCh — Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) July 12, 2026 The announcement came after the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions that resulted in 18 key outcomes, including 10 agreements spanning trade, investment, technology and people-to-people exchanges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the significance of the upgraded relationship while interacting with New Zealand’s leading CEOs and business leaders in Auckland. He described the Strategic Partnership as more than a diplomatic achievement. “This is not just a diplomatic milestone; it is a new resolve for our shared future," the Prime Minister said, while noting that the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement had been signed earlier this year in a record nine months. He said the agreement would create fresh opportunities in market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility. “I am confident that by working with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, we will double bilateral trade by 2030," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also projected India as a major destination for international investment. “In India, we have made reform, perform, and transform the basis of governance.