Historic Official Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed in Auckland on Saturday during the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian leader in 40 years, as the two countries moved to deepen trade, investment and security ties.
Footage shows Maori performers carrying out a haka on a lawn in front of Modi upon his arrival, before he greets them. After the ceremony, Modi met and embraced New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon before the two leaders sat down for bilateral talks.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand Muanpuii Saiawi and Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary East at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, are later seen exchanging documents with New Zealand officials.
Trade Agreement Focus
The two leaders held delegation-level talks, with the recently signed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement at the centre of discussions.
The agreement, formally signed on April 27 after nine months of negotiations, will remove tariffs on Indian goods entering New Zealand once it comes into force, while reducing or removing tariffs on most New Zealand exports to India.
Luxon reportedly said ahead of the visit that 57 per cent of New Zealand exports covered by the agreement would enter India tariff-free from the first day of its implementation.
India kept most dairy access and several politically sensitive agricultural goods largely protected, shielding sectors that support millions of domestic farmers.
Economic Partnership Grows
The agreement has also exposed debate within New Zealand’s governing bloc over immigration provisions, investment commitments and the concessions secured for exporters.
Modi arrived in New Zealand on Friday for a two-day visit following stops in Indonesia and Australia.
The visit comes more than a year after Luxon travelled to India with a large political and business delegation and formally launched negotiations for the trade agreement.
Article by Viory
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