New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hailed India's economic growth during a July 11,2026 meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wellington. Luxon urged businesses from both countries to deepen ties and explore new markets.
At an event titled “India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership,” Luxon shared admiration for India, stretching back to his days with Unilever. He recalled his first trip to India in mid-1990s,when wages were paid in coins. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,250 million people have been lifted out of poverty,” Luxon remarked,noting India's middle class has swelled to 440 million, with projections of 750 million by decade's end.
He described this shift from low to middle and high income as “incredible transformation.” With India's 1.4 billion people advancing,Luxon voiced excitement. He pinpointed food,tourism,education,and technology as sectors ripe for collaboration between India and New Zealand.
Quoting Austrian psychiatrist Victor Frankl, Luxon stressed roles of government, business,and community leaders. He urged them to seize opportunities through partnership. “Responsibility for this relationship also sits with you,” he told business leaders, encouraging them to explore new markets .
Luxon urged New Zealand businesses to connect with Indian consumers,calling them some of the toughest globally. “Learn about the markets,find right partners, understand how to tailor your product and service,” he advised, stressing need to adapt to local demands.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke,inviting New Zealand businesses to invest across Indian sectors. He highlighted shared democratic values and sustainable development commitments as foundation of their relationship. Modi noted free trade agreement signed in April 2026 to boost economic ties and market access .
Modi and Luxon outlined 18 key outcomes, including elevating their bilateral relations to strategic partnership. Cooperation across various fields expected to deepen,further cementing economic ties between India and New Zealand.
The meeting shows growing recognition of collaboration potential. As they target ₹35,000 crore in trade by 2030,both leaders optimistic about economic future…
