Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic milestone in bilateral ties, thanking New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for concluding the pact in a short span.

The Prime Minister said the two countries are natural partners due to their shared democratic values and close cooperation as maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific. Expressing confidence in the future of the partnership, PM Modi said both countries could make a meaningful contribution to global peace, stability and security.

Following the signing of a Free Trade Agreement in April this year, this visit is expected to act as a catalyst to generate further momentum in trade and bilateral relations. The two leaders previously held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, during Prime Minister Luxon’s official visit to India.