Auckland event celebrates India-New Zealand friendship and strategic partnership.

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi addressed more than 10,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the “Kia Ora Modi” community event in Auckland during his official visit to New Zealand. Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon joined the gathering, highlighting the importance of the growing India-New Zealand relationship and support for the Kiwi Indian community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for attending the event and welcomed New Zealand’s bipartisan support for stronger India-New Zealand bilateral relations. He also expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Indian diaspora, recalling his earlier visit to New Zealand and the lasting memories he has carried from the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Indian diaspora in New Zealand for its contributions to the country’s economy, society and multicultural identity. He commended the community for preserving India’s culture, traditions and festivals while making meaningful contributions to New Zealand through volunteerism, charitable work and community service.

Describing the event as a celebration of India-New Zealand friendship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand. He said both countries have opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sports, sports technology, agriculture, trade, space technology and innovation as part of their expanding strategic partnership.

Highlighting shared values, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew parallels between Māori traditions and Indian cultural principles, including respect for family, hospitality and environmental stewardship. He said these common values provide a strong foundation for stronger people-to-people connections and closer bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted India’s economic transformation, describing India as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. He pointed to progress in digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, startups and space exploration, adding that a future India-New Zealand trade agreement would create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Calling the Indian diaspora a vital bridge between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the community to continue strengthening friendship, trust and cooperation to help realise the full potential of the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Indian community would not have to wait another 40 years for a visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand. He also encouraged young members of the diaspora to participate in initiatives that deepen their understanding of India’s heritage while strengthening ties between India and New Zealand.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office of India

India, New Zealand Elevate Ties at Strategic Partnership Gala Hosted by PM Luxon

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi attended a gala luncheon hosted by Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon on July 11, 2026, celebrating the elevation of India-New Zealand relations to a Strategic Partnership and reaffirming both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across trade, investment, security, education and people-to-people ties.

The event brought together prominent representatives from government, business, industry, academia, technology, sports and the arts. Welcoming guests, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between India and New Zealand while outlining a shared vision for deeper bilateral cooperation and long-term economic growth.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi described his visit as the beginning of a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations, noting that it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years. He said the newly established Strategic Partnership would provide a comprehensive framework for collaboration across multiple sectors.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying it would create new opportunities for businesses, farmers and young people in both countries while supporting the shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

He also welcomed plans to facilitate up to US$20 billion in New Zealand investment into India and highlighted expanding cooperation in financial technology, including efforts to connect India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with New Zealand’s payment systems. Additional areas of cooperation include agriculture, dairy, food processing and traditional medicine.

The two leaders reaffirmed growing defence and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including naval exercises, logistics support and hydrographic collaboration. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, describing closer security cooperation as important for regional peace, stability and prosperity.

People-to-people connections remained a key pillar of the partnership. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for supporting the Indian community and welcomed the signing of a Cultural Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, which will strengthen exchanges in the arts, heritage and creative industries. He also encouraged greater educational collaboration, including opportunities for New Zealand universities to establish campuses in India.

Following the luncheon, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon toured an exhibition showcasing innovative sports technology and equipment before meeting leading athletes. Marking the centenary of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi said the new Sports Joint Action Plan would expand cooperation beyond cricket as India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games 2030. He concluded by extending greetings on the occasion of the Māori New Year, Matariki, describing it as a celebration that reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office of India

New framework deepens trade, security and regional cooperation.

India and New Zealand have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone during the official visit of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to Auckland on 10 and 11 July. Hosted by Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, the visit was the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

During bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon endorsed the India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030, a four-year framework that will guide cooperation across diplomacy, defence, trade, education, agriculture, climate resilience and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They agreed to deepen maritime cooperation through a new Maritime Cooperation Arrangement, an annual Maritime Security Dialogue, enhanced naval engagement, hydrography cooperation and a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement. They also strengthened collaboration on counter-terrorism, cyber security, law enforcement and disaster management.

On the economic front, both leaders set an ambitious target of doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030. They welcomed the signing of a comprehensive India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and committed to its early entry into force and effective implementation. The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers, expand market access, encourage investment and strengthen cooperation across sectors including agriculture, innovation, clean energy and skills development.

Agriculture emerged as another priority, with the launch of an Agricultural Productivity Partnership, a Kiwifruit Action Plan and two Centres of Excellence in Nagaland and Uttarakhand. The two countries also signed a memorandum on animal husbandry and dairying to promote technical cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Tourism, education and cultural ties were also strengthened through a series of new agreements. The leaders encouraged airlines to commence direct non-stop flights between India and New Zealand and endorsed initiatives covering tourism, cultural cooperation, maritime heritage and sport. A Joint Action Plan on Sport will expand collaboration in coaching, sports science, athlete development and high-performance programmes.

Recognising the Indian community as an important bridge between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Luxon also pledged stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions and innovation ecosystems. They reaffirmed cooperation on climate resilience through the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and New Zealand’s participation in the Global Biofuels Alliance.

On regional and global issues, both leaders reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality, the rules-based international order and reform of the United Nations Security Council, with New Zealand reiterating its support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed Council. They also called for dialogue and diplomacy to address conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine while reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and closer cooperation against transnational crime.

The two prime ministers directed ministers and senior officials to implement the Roadmap to 2030 and maintain regular reviews, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing the newly established India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership.wly established Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon directed officials to ensure the timely implementation of the Roadmap to 2030, with regular reviews to maintain momentum and advance the newly established Strategic Partnership.

Source: Prime Minister’s Office of India

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong calls on business leaders to forge real partnerships as Singapore and New Zealand move beyond diplomacy into practical economic cooperation.

Singapore, 4 May 2026 – Mr Lawrence Wong and Mr Christopher Luxon met at the Singapore–New Zealand Leadership Forum on Monday, calling on business leaders from both countries to strengthen partnerships in supply chains, digital trade, and artificial intelligence.

The forum comes seven months after Singapore and New Zealand upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2025, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Mr Wong said that while government agreements provide a foundation, stronger collaboration must come from businesses. “Government agreements are important, but they can only go so far,” he said, urging companies to build direct and trusted relationships.

He added that partnerships should be practical and responsive, noting that “relationships that are forged on trust, where you have one another’s handphone numbers on speed dial” would enable firms to address challenges and identify new opportunities.

He pointed to existing business links between the two countries. Singapore-based ComfortDelGro operates Auckland’s metro rail network, while PolyBee provides autonomous pollination drone services to New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

New Zealand companies are also active in Singapore. Beca has operated locally for more than four decades, and Fonterra uses Singapore as a regional hub for brands such as Anlene and Fernleaf.

Both governments are expected to sign an agreement on trade in essential supplies during the forum. Mr Wong said recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, have highlighted the need for stronger supply chain resilience.

He said such shocks are “no longer one-off — they are becoming part of the new normal in our business environment,” adding that governments and businesses must diversify and de-risk supply chains by working with trusted partners.

On technology, Mr Wong highlighted artificial intelligence as a key area for cooperation. He said that while neither country is likely to develop large-scale AI foundation models, both can lead in applying AI in practical ways.

“We are unlikely as two small open economies to be able to build the largest foundation models, but we can be leaders in AI deployment, in use cases,” he said.

Singapore has established a National AI Council focusing on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and logistics, which Mr Wong said present opportunities for collaboration with New Zealand firms.

He also encouraged New Zealand companies to use Singapore as a base for expansion into Southeast Asia, noting the region’s growth potential and demand for digital and sustainable solutions.

Mr Wong and Mr Luxon were scheduled to hold a separate Annual Leaders’ Meeting later the same day. Mr Wong said both engagements aim to deliver practical outcomes that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The forum was attended by senior business leaders and government officials from both countries.

Source: PMO

SINGAPORE AND NEW ZEALAND REAFFIRMED STRONG AND ENDURING DEFENCE TIES DURING A VISIT TO A KEY BILATERAL TRAINING EXERCISE.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad visited Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops participating in Exercise Thunder Warrior in New Zealand on 27 January 2026. The exercise is being conducted at the Waiouru Military Training Area and runs from 14 January to 14 February 2026.

First held in 1997, Exercise Thunder Warrior is an annual artillery live-firing exercise. This year’s edition involves more than 420 personnel from the 244th Battalion (244SA) and 24th Battalion (24SA) of the Singapore Artillery. During the visit, Mr Zaqy observed an integrated battalion live firing, involving the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer, supported by the Weapon Locating Radar and the Field Artillery Meteorological System.

Mr Zaqy commended the SAF personnel for their professionalism and operational readiness, noting their ability to train and perform effectively in a challenging environment. He highlighted that the safe and successful conduct of the exercise demonstrated the competence of the SAF, including its National Service units.

During the visit, Mr Zaqy also spoke with New Zealand’s Associate Minister for Defence, Mr Chris Penk. Both sides reaffirmed the close and longstanding defence relationship between Singapore and New Zealand, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation following the recent upgrade of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Areas of potential collaboration discussed included unmanned systems and supply chain resilience. Mr Zaqy also expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s continued support for the SAF’s overseas training.

The defence establishments of both countries maintain extensive engagement through exercises, cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and visits, including under the Five Power Defence Arrangements and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. These interactions continue to strengthen people-to-people ties and foster mutual trust and understanding between the two armed forces.

Source : MINDEF

Singapore joined FPDA partners in New Zealand for a command-post exercise strengthening interoperability and long-standing defence cooperation.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated in the 33rd edition of Exercise Suman Warrior (XSW), a land-focused exercise under the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). Hosted by the New Zealand Army at Linton Military Camp in Palmerston North, the exercise took place from 3 to 13 November 2025 and brought together around 140 participants from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Exercise Suman Warrior 2025 centred on a Brigade-level Command Post Exercise (CPX) that focused on conventional operations. Participants trained in command, staff, and logistics procedures, allowing them to enhance interoperability and develop deeper familiarity with one another’s operational practices. The exercise also served as a platform for coordination among the five FPDA militaries in a realistic and structured environment.

Image by: Singapore Ministry of Defence

The SAF’s 24-member delegation was led by Lieutenant Colonel Bani Faizal, Commanding Officer of the 730th Battalion, Singapore Guards. He noted that Singapore’s continued participation underscored its commitment to working closely with partner militaries. He added that the exercise strengthened mutual trust, understanding, and respect—qualities that not only support enduring friendships but also contribute to operational excellence across the FPDA land forces.

Since its formation in 1971, the FPDA has evolved to respond to an increasingly complex regional security landscape. Exercises such as Suman Warrior provide opportunities for member nations to refine operational coordination and maintain readiness in an evolving strategic environment.

In addition to XSW, the SAF regularly participates in other FPDA exercises, including Bersama Lima and Bersama Shield. Through these platforms, Singapore continues to demonstrate its longstanding commitment to contributing to regional stability and strengthening the collective defence architecture.

Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence

Singapore convened a series of key humanitarian assistance and disaster relief forums and exercises, bringing together military and civilian partners across the region to enhance preparedness and coordination.

Singapore hosted three major Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) engagements over the past week, strengthening regional and international cooperation in disaster preparedness and response. The events brought together participants from militaries, academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector, reflecting collective commitment towards humanitarian coordination.

Held from 27 to 28 October 2025, the 4th Humanitarian Futures Forum (HFF) 2025 was co-organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and the Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre (Changi RHCC). More than 160 participants from 33 militaries and various civil organisations discussed future trends in humanitarian operations, including digital humanitarian tools, adaptive responses to emerging challenges, and expanded civil-military partnerships.

Image by: Singapore Ministry of Defence

From 31 October to 1 November, Singapore and New Zealand jointly convened the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group on HADR Conference on Disaster Relief in the Context of Climate Change. Delegates examined ways to enhance disaster preparedness amid climate risks, strengthen climate resilience through defence cooperation, and refine military-military and civil-military coordination frameworks. A dedicated workshop was also held to support Timor-Leste’s HADR capacity-building priorities.

In addition, Exercise Coordinated Response (Ex COORES), Changi RHCC’s flagship table-top exercise, was conducted during the same period. The exercise enabled participating agencies to rehearse coordination protocols, share operational insights and improve readiness for regional disaster scenarios.

Together, the three events underscored Singapore’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional disaster resilience and fostering practical cooperation among defence forces, emergency responders and humanitarian organisations.

Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong joined leaders of Chile and New Zealand to launch negotiations for a pioneering Green Economy Partnership Agreement.

Singapore launched negotiations for a new Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA) together with Chilean President Gabriel Boric and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The announcement marked a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation on climate-aligned trade and sustainable economic development.

The launch underscored the longstanding collaboration between Singapore, Chile and New Zealand in advancing innovative multilateral frameworks. The three countries had previously worked together (alongside Brunei) on the P4 trade arrangement, which later evolved into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). They also jointly initiated the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), which has since attracted the interest of additional economies seeking to harmonise digital standards and rules.

Image by: Singapore Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong

With the GEPA, the three partners committed to once again breaking new ground by integrating trade with climate action. The agreement aims to shape common standards in emerging areas such as sustainable aviation fuel, carbon credit mechanisms, and other green-economy frameworks. These standards are expected to reduce regulatory friction, support business collaboration, and generate new opportunities for citizens and enterprises across the three countries.

The initiative reflected a shared belief that economic growth and environmental sustainability can be mutually reinforcing. Singapore emphasised that the GEPA sends a clear signal of the value of cooperation in building a resilient, sustainable and competitive future, benefitting current and future generations.

Source: Singapore Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong

The ASEAN–New Zealand Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur marked a historic step forward in deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation between ASEAN and New Zealand.

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, attended the ASEAN–New Zealand Gala Lunch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today. The event was held following the conclusion of the ASEAN–New Zealand Commemorative Summit, which celebrated an important milestone in the partnership between ASEAN and New Zealand.

During the Summit, ASEAN Leaders and New Zealand Prime Minister reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas. The Leaders officially agreed to elevate relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the depth and maturity of their longstanding engagement.

Image by ASEAN

The new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will serve as a framework for advancing collaboration in trade, connectivity, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges. It also underscores both sides’ shared vision of promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Gala Lunch provided an opportunity for ASEAN Leaders and their New Zealand counterparts to further exchange views on strengthening practical cooperation and to celebrate over five decades of enduring friendship.

Source: ASEAN

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation as both nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.

Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, concluded his official visit to New Zealand from 9 to 11 October 2025, marking his first visit to the country as Prime Minister. The visit underscored the long-standing friendship and growing cooperation between the two nations as they commemorated 60 years of diplomatic relations.

On 9 October 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon hosted Prime Minister Wong to a dinner, where they exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the need to work together and uphold the rules-based international order. The following day, Prime Minister Wong had a delegation meeting with Prime Minister Luxon. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations and commemorated 60 years of strong diplomatic relations between Singapore and New Zealand. They welcomed the good progress in bilateral cooperation since the launch of the Enhanced Partnership in 2019.

Following the meeting, the two Prime Ministers held a Joint Press Conference to announce the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The CSP sets the vision and direction for the next phase of our bilateral relations over the next decade, setting out a total of 72 initiatives spanning across six pillars of cooperation in: (a) Trade and Economics; (b) Defence, Security and Safety; (c) Science, Technology, and Innovation; (d) People-to-People; (e) Climate Change and Green Economy; and (f) Supply Chains and Connectivity. More broadly, the CSP lays out opportunities for joint collaboration in Southeast Asia and cooperation to strengthen the multilateral trading system.

Amidst the complexities of today’s international landscape, the CSP serves as the foundation for the continued cooperation of the two countries toward stability and prosperity, including through deeper dialogue on the challenges facing small states and a shared commitment to advance the interests of our peoples, our region, and the international community.

As part of his programme, Prime Minister Wong visited Rocket Lab on 10 October 2025, New Zealand’s leading space technology company, symbolising innovation and future-oriented cooperation between both countries. He also met with former Prime Minister John Key and attended a reception with Overseas Singaporeans based in New Zealand, expressing appreciation for their contributions to strengthening the Singaporean community abroad.

Source: MFA