Key Takeaways
- New Zealand and India agreed to create a joint working group on counter‑terrorism to institutionalise intelligence sharing and pursue a zero‑tolerance approach to terrorism financing, safe havens and infrastructure.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 24‑hour visit elevated bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership,” covering defence, security, trade, education, tourism, sport and culture.
- The visit reaffirmed India’s US$20 billion investment commitment in New Zealand over the next 15 years, clarified as a promotion of investment rather than a binding quota.
- Both sides announced plans to double two‑way trade in goods and services to US$7 billion by 2030, alongside a Kiwifruit Action Plan, two centres of excellence in Nagaland and Uttarakhand, and a memorandum of cooperation on animal husbandry and dairying.
- Tourism and sports cooperation were highlighted, with calls for direct flights, celebration of a centenary of sporting ties, and launch of a joint action plan covering rugby, rowing, athletics, golf, bowls and sports medicine.
- Cultural affinities were emphasized, linking Māori traditions with Indian values of respect for nature, community and sustainability, and Modi connected the Matariki constellation to the Indian Krittika Nakshatra.
Overview of the Counter‑terrorism Working Group
New Zealand and India have agreed to set up a joint working group on counterterrorism aimed at strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism. The initiative, announced in a joint statement released on Saturday, calls for a “zero‑tolerance and consistent approach to terrorism” that seeks to disrupt financing networks, dismantle safe havens and infrastructure, and bring perpetrators to justice swiftly. By institutionalising intelligence exchange, the two governments hope to create a more coordinated response to emerging threats in the Indo‑Pacific region.
Details of Prime Minister Modi’s Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday night for a whirlwind 24‑hour visit over the Matariki weekend. After a formal welcome at Government House on Saturday morning, he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, met with business leaders, praised New Zealand’s sporting achievements, and attended several community events. In a break from protocol, Luxon personally greeted Modi at the airport upon arrival and saw him off at departure—a gesture Modi said deeply touched him and underscored the warmth of the encounter.
Modi’s Remarks on Terrorism Cooperation
During his speeches on Saturday, Modi highlighted the newly formed joint working group, stating, “We have done this to fight against terrorism shoulder to shoulder.” He stressed that cooperation between India and New Zealand is vital for peace, stability and security across the Indo‑Pacific. Modi’s emphasis on a united front against terrorism reflects both nations’ shared concern over extremist activities that could destabilise the region.
Khalistan Referendum and Divergent Views
Modi had previously expressed concern about “anti‑India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand” during Luxon’s 2025 trip to India, a comment widely interpreted as referencing the non‑binding Khalistan referendum held in Auckland’s Aotea Square in November 2024. Organised by the US‑based group Sikhs for Justice—banned in India since 2019 for alleged terrorism links—the event sparked debate over what constitutes terrorism. While Modi urged New Zealand to act accordingly, Luxon maintained that supporters of the Khalistan movement had not broken any New Zealand laws, signalling differing interpretations that the joint working group will need to navigate.
Elevation to a Strategic Partnership
Luxon and Modi announced that bilateral ties have been upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” This designation expands collaboration beyond traditional areas to include defence and security, while also deepening links in trade, commerce, education, tourism, sport and culture. The partnership aims to create a comprehensive framework for cooperation that leverages each country’s strengths and addresses shared challenges in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Trade, Investment and the US$20 Billion Commitment
A central theme of Modi’s address was the reaffirmation of New Zealand’s pledge to invest US$20 billion in India over the next 15 years. Modi referenced this commitment at least three times, describing it not merely as a financial promise but as a partnership in India’s development journey. When asked for clarification, Luxon explained that the free trade agreement contains a “commitment to promote investment,” noting that both sides understand the target as a facilitative goal rather than a strict quota with penalties.
Diplomatic Clarifications on the FTA and Migration
India’s Secretary East at the Ministry of External Affairs, Rudrendra Tandon, addressed media concerns that the free trade agreement might spur large‑scale migration from India to New Zealand. Tandon asserted that such fears are misplaced, emphasizing that the FTA deals exclusively with the mobility of skilled manpower under existing New Zealand immigration laws, not with immigration per se. He highlighted that the agreement seeks to remove visa‑related barriers for Indian service professionals, thereby enhancing trade in services without altering overall migration patterns.
Economic Outcomes: Trade Targets, Kiwifruit Plan and Dairy Cooperation
The joint statement set an ambitious goal to double bilateral two‑way trade in goods and services to US$7 billion by 2030. Complementing this target, a Kiwifruit Action Plan was unveiled, alongside the establishment of two centres of excellence in the Indian states of Nagaland and Uttarakhand to boost agricultural innovation. While the free trade agreement excludes dairy, animal products (except sheep meat) and certain vegetable products, the two nations concluded a memorandum of cooperation on animal husbandry and dairying, aiming to share technical knowledge and best practices that will benefit farmers and cattle rearers in both countries.
Tourism, Sports, Cultural Ties and the Matariki Reference
Recognising tourism’s role in economic growth and cultural exchange, Luxon and Modi urged airlines to launch direct nonstop flights between India and New Zealand. They also celebrated a centenary of sporting ties and inaugurated the India‑New Zealand Joint Action Plan on Sport, which will foster exchanges in sports medicine, rugby, rowing, athletics, golf and bowls. Sports Minister Mark Mitchell announced upcoming national football matches in November in Auckland and Christchurch as part of these festivities. Modi concluded his visit by noting the deep respect both Indian civilization and Māori traditions hold for nature, community and sustainability, and he linked the Matariki constellation—known in India as Krittika Nakshatra—to a shared celestial heritage that he hopes will inspire the bilateral relationship to “glow like these stars.”