NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for a two-day visit to New Zealand, describing the trip as “historic” as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades. He was received at the airport by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.In a post on X after his arrival, PM Modi thanked Luxon for the welcome and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties.”Reached Auckland a short while ago. Thankful to Prime Minister Luxon for the welcome at the airport. This visit is historic, being the first Prime Ministerial visit to New Zealand in four decades,” he wrote.Sharing visuals from his arrival, the Prime Minister said he looked forward to holding talks with Luxon on expanding the bilateral partnership and addressing the Indian diaspora in Auckland.According to the ministry of external affairs, PM Modi and Luxon will hold bilateral discussions covering the full spectrum of India-New Zealand relations, with a focus on trade, commerce and defence. The visit comes months after the two countries signed a Free Trade Agreement in April, which both sides expect to boost trade and deepen economic engagement. During his stay, PM Modi will also interact with prominent business and sports personalities and address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries, the MEA said.The New Zealand leg is the final stop of PM Modi’s three-nation tour. Before arriving in Auckland, he concluded his visit to Australia, where he attended the third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.As he departed Australia, PM Modi thanked the Australian government and people for their hospitality and said the visit had further strengthened bilateral ties.”As my Australia visit concludes, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Australia as well as to PM Albanese for their warmth. The outcomes of this visit have further strengthened our partnership and opened new avenues for cooperation across diverse sectors. The momentum in the times to come will benefit our nation and the entire planet.”PM Modi’s visit to New Zealand follows Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025 and is expected to build on the momentum in bilateral relations, particularly after the signing of the Free Trade Agreement.
