PM Narendra Modi's India‑Australia‑New Zealand tour underscores trade and diaspora ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three‑nation tour, visiting New Zealand (July 10‑11), Australia (July 8‑10) and Indonesia. In New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon promoted the newly signed India‑New Zealand free‑trade agreement, noting that “57 % of everything we export to India will be tariff‑free from day one.” New Zealand MP Parmjeet Parmar downplayed concerns about pro‑Khalistan protests, saying “The numbers are very small; you can count them on your fingertips… they do not represent the wider Sikh community.”

In Australia, Modi addressed a packed diaspora gathering at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, declaring “Just as when sugar is added to milk it makes it sweeter… we Indians infuse the world.” He highlighted India’s defence capabilities, referring to “Operation Sindoor” and noting that “explosions were taking place inside terrorist hideouts, but their echoes were heard across the globe.” The visit featured an India‑Australia CEOs Forum and reinforced the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, now covering defence, trade, clean energy and technology. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called India “a key economic partner” and stressed the partnership’s importance for Indo‑Pacific stability.

During the Indonesian leg, President Prabowo Subianto presented Modi with the country’s highest civilian honour, “Bintang Adipurna,” acknowledging the deepening bilateral relationship. Across the tour, diaspora leaders in all three countries expressed pride and anticipated boosted business, cultural exchange and stronger strategic ties.