Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthens India‑New Zealand ties and tackles West Asia security

India and New Zealand upgraded their relationship to a full Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two‑day visit, signing ten agreements and memoranda of understanding. Key outcomes include a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement for naval refuelling and maintenance, a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Cooperation, and a target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030. The partnership is guided by a four‑year “Roadmap to 2030” covering defence, trade, maritime security, agriculture, tourism, sports, science and people‑to‑people exchanges.

In New Delhi, Modi met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan after chairing the Cabinet Committee on Security, which reviewed India’s preparedness amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. officials discussed safeguarding uninterrupted supplies of petroleum products, LPG, LNG and fertiliser, expanding piped natural gas networks and LNG import capacity, and coordinating a whole‑of‑government response to regional challenges. The meeting occurred as Parliament’s Monsoon Session continued.