PM Modi Unveils New Roadmap for India-New Zealand Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined an ambitious roadmap to strengthen India-New Zealand relations during the Gala Lunch hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, announcing a series of initiatives spanning fintech, agriculture, traditional medicine, defence, and maritime cooperation.

Addressing business leaders, government officials, and dignitaries, PM Modi said both countries are committed to transforming their shared strengths into practical cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for their people.

"To make our strategic partnership meaningful, we are transforming the strengths of both countries into practical cooperation. In the area of fintech, we are going ahead in connecting India's UPI and New Zealand's payment system," the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting agricultural cooperation, Modi announced that India and New Zealand have prepared a comprehensive blueprint for collaboration in agriculture, dairy, and food processing. He said the initiative would benefit farmers, livestock owners, and the wider agri-food sector in both countries.

The Prime Minister also emphasized cooperation in traditional medicine, noting that both nations possess rich and vibrant traditions in the field. He announced an agreement to expand the role of traditional medicine as part of bilateral health cooperation.

On strategic and security ties, Modi described the growing defence partnership as a reflection of the deep trust between the two countries.

He further announced that India and New Zealand have agreed on a framework for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership will include bilateral naval exercises, logistics support, and hydrography, aimed at strengthening regional security and enhancing coordination between the two nations.

Elevating 🇮🇳 - 🇳🇿 ties!

Recognising the long-standing friendship between India and New Zealand, shared democratic values, deep people-to-people links, and shared interests in the Indo Pacific, both the countries have decided to elevate the relationship to a ‘Strategic… pic.twitter.com/Wb9cYfABd0

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) July 11, 2026

The announcements mark another significant step in expanding the India-New Zealand strategic partnership, with both countries seeking to deepen collaboration across trade, technology, healthcare, agriculture, defence, and regional security while reinforcing their shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.