What happened
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s opening remarks during India–New Zealand delegation-level talks in Wellington announced that India and New Zealand were moving their ties into a strategic partnership. The remarks linked the upgrade to shared democratic values, maritime cooperation, the Indo-Pacific, and wider goals of peace, stability, and security.
What the Prime Minister said
The Prime Minister thanked New Zealand for the reception and said it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. He described the current moment as an historic milestone and said the visit would give new energy to bilateral relations.
He also said that when the New Zealand Prime Minister visited India, the two sides began work on a free trade agreement, and that New Zealand had moved quickly to take the agreement forward. The Prime Minister called this pace unusual in global practice and thanked the New Zealand leadership and team for the progress.
Background and earlier position
Related current affairs
- Prime Minister's address during the Gala Lunch (India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership)
- India, New Zealand elevate ties to strategic partnership; trade target ₹35,000 crore by 2030
- India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership and Roadmap to 2030
- PM Modi attends New Zealand PM’s gala on 'India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership'
- Text of Prime Minister's Address at the India–New Zealand Business Event
- Prime Minister holds official talks with Prime Minister of New Zealand; elevate ties to Strategic Partnership