Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New Zealand for the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years
July 10, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on Friday as part of the final leg of his three-nation tour. He was warmly received at the airport by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in four decades. In a post on X, Modi described the visit as historic and said he looked forward to discussions aimed at strengthening the India–New Zealand partnership, besides addressing the Indian diaspora during a community event in Auckland.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, defence, education, sports, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The iconic Sky Tower in Auckland was illuminated to welcome the Prime Minister, symbolising the growing friendship between the two nations. Modi also noted that the visit builds on the momentum created during Christopher Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025 and aligns with India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Before arriving in New Zealand, Modi concluded a three-day visit to Australia, where he held summit talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, focusing on defence cooperation, maritime security, and a landmark civil nuclear energy agreement. Earlier, in Indonesia, India signed 14 agreements covering critical minerals, maritime security, and other strategic sectors, reinforcing regional cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.