India and New Zealand have elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, announcing a roadmap to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, maritime security, agriculture, tourism, sport and innovation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Auckland on Saturday.The two countries also agreed to increase bilateral trade in goods and services to around NZ$7 billion (approximately ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.The visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, combined high-level diplomatic engagements, business and sporting initiatives, and a large community event, while rival protest groups demonstrated outside Spark Arena, Auckland, under a heavy police presence.New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon gave a ceremonial welcome to Modi at Government House in the morning before the leaders held bilateral talks. The ceremony featured a traditional Maori powhiri and a Guard of Honour.Modi and Luxon endorsed the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030, which they said sets out priorities for expanding political engagement, economic cooperation and people-to-people connections over the remainder of the decade.The leaders described the recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement as a key step towards achieving the 2030 trade target and boosting investment and economic cooperation.Luxon said the agreement would improve market access for New Zealand exporters, with tariffs eventually reduced or removed on 95 per cent of exports to India.In his remarks, Modi described India as “not just a market, but a launchpad for global growth”, urging businesses from both countries to convert political goodwill into long-term commercial partnerships.Modi thanked Luxon for personally receiving him at the airport, calling it a warm gesture that reflected the friendship between the two countries.Describing the visit as “a historic milestone”, Modi expressed confidence that the strategic partnership would inject “new energy and greater confidence” into bilateral ties.On regional and global issues, the two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms, expressed concern over the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, and stressed the need for dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law. They also reiterated support for a free and rules-based international order and closer cooperation in multilateral forums.Addressing business leaders at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre in the afternoon, Modi highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, digital services, fintech, clean energy, aviation, infrastructure, tourism and space, while calling for flagship investment projects, stronger business partnerships and greater engagement between young entrepreneurs.In his address, Luxon encouraged New Zealand businesses to take a long-term approach to the Indian market, describing India’s rapidly expanding middle-class population as a significant opportunity for exporters and investors.Aviation also featured prominently during the visit, with both governments encouraging airlines to examine the feasibility of direct, non-stop flights between India and New Zealand.The leaders also witnessed the exchange of several agreements covering maritime security, defence logistics, counter-terrorism, disaster management, agriculture, tourism, sport, culture and academic research.Under the new framework, India and New Zealand will establish an annual Maritime Security Dialogue, strengthen cooperation between their naval forces and create a joint working group on counter-terrorism to enhance collaboration against terrorism, violent extremism, cybercrime, human trafficking and organised transnational crime.Agriculture emerged as another priority area, with both governments launching a Kiwifruit Action Plan and announcing plans for two Centres of Excellence for kiwifruit in Nagaland and Uttarakhand. The initiatives aim to improve farmer training, research, productivity and sustainable horticultural practices.Sport also featured prominently during the visit. Modi and Luxon attended the Sport NZ Goldmine Innovation Experience and welcomed a joint action plan on sport, which will expand cooperation in coaching, sports science, athlete development, high-performance systems and sporting exchanges.Following the bilateral meetings, Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, briefed the media on the outcomes of Modi’s visit. He described the strategic partnership as providing a stronger institutional framework for cooperation across trade, security, agriculture, tourism, research, culture and sport.PM Modi also met New Zealand Opposition leader Chris Hipkins in the evening and discussed a wide range of issues, including trade and people-to-people ties.The day’s official programme concluded with the ‘Kia Ora Modi’ community event in Auckland, where thousands of members of New Zealand’s Indian community gathered to welcome the PM.Outside the venue, several protest groups, including Khalistan supporters, pro-Palestine demonstrators and a small anti-immigration group, held separate demonstrations while thousands of Modi supporters waved Indian and New Zealand flags and chanted slogans in support of PM Modi and India.As a symbolic gesture to mark the occasion, Auckland’s Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag on Friday night. PM Modi also praised a special performance by the Naad Vocal Ensemble held in his honour, describing music as a powerful bridge that deepens friendship and understanding between nations.(With inputs from Ujwal Jalali)