Today marks the second day of PM Modi’s visit to New Zealand. He received a formal welcome in Auckland and was accorded a Guard of Honour. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accompanied him on this occasion. The two leaders also held bilateral talks.
FTA: A Historic Milestone in Bilateral Relations – PM Modi
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a historic milestone in the relations between the two nations and thanked New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for concluding the agreement in a short span of time. During delegation-level talks in Auckland, PM Modi stated that this visit has imparted new momentum to the relationship between the two countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening their partnership.
PM Modi said, “I am delighted that an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand after 40 years. By organizing an event in your economic hub, you have provided an opportunity to breathe new life into the relationship between India and New Zealand. I am deeply grateful to you.”
PM Modi added, “This is a historic milestone in our relationship; it injects new energy into our ties and reaffirms our commitment to friendship. The FTA process began when you visited India. The way all of New Zealand united to make the FTA a success in such a short time—perhaps the first instance in the world of such rapid success—is truly commendable. I sincerely thank your leadership, your government, and your team for this achievement.”
First PM Visit to New Zealand in Nearly Four Decades
An Indian Prime Minister is visiting New Zealand after nearly four decades, and PM Modi’s visit is being viewed as the beginning of a new era in the strategic and economic relations between the two nations. India and New Zealand signed the FTA in April of this year.
Modi’s visit is considered highly significant. Once the agreement comes into effect, tariffs on 95% of goods from New Zealand will be reduced or eliminated. From day one, 57% of New Zealand’s exports will become completely duty-free, while tariffs on 100% of exports from India will be eliminated.
To safeguard the interests of Indian farmers, dairy, sugar, apples, and certain other agricultural products have been excluded from this exemption. Welcoming Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated that India is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. This visit celebrates a win-win partnership between the two nations that will bring prosperity and security to their people.
