Modi tells New Zealand CEOs India is a launchpad for global growth

Auckland,UPDATED: Jul 11, 2026 18:30 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told New Zealand's top business leaders that India is "not only a market" but "a launchpad for global growth", as he invited them to invest across a wide range of sectors. He said the India-New Zealand free trade agreement signed earlier this year would deepen economic ties and create fresh opportunities in market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility.

Modi made the remarks in Auckland during an interaction with a select group of CEOs and corporate leaders, shortly after his wide-ranging talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two sides announced 18 key outcomes, including 10 agreements, and decided to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. In the bilateral talks, New Zealand also committed to invest USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years.

Modi said the two countries' shared democratic values, diversity and commitment to sustainable development provided a strong base for an ambitious and forward-looking economic partnership. "In India, we have made reform, perform, and transform the basis of governance. Today, India has policy stability, political stability, and continuity of growth," he said. "Therefore, our message to the world is: India is not only a market; India is a launchpad for global growth."

Referring to the upgraded relationship and the trade pact, he said, "This is not just a diplomatic milestone; it is a new resolve for our shared future. This year, a free trade agreement was signed between the two countries in a record time of nine months." He added, "This will open new opportunities for market access, investment, services, technology, and talent mobility for all of you. I am confident that by working with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, we will double bilateral trade by 2030."

Speaking about the investment commitment, Modi said, "This is not just about investment, but also a commitment to participate in India's development journey." He said India remained the world's fastest-growing major economy and added, "Our growing middle class, large-scale digital adoption, and infrastructure push make India a unique growth story."

The Prime Minister also highlighted policy measures taken by his government to support growth. "To promote manufacturing in India, we have launched the production-linked Incentive scheme. Under this, approximately USD 20 billion of support is being provided in 14 sectors ranging from food processing to textiles," he said. Inviting businesses to join India's expansion, he added, "I invite all of you to be a part of this manufacturing momentum. Airports, regional connectivity, air cargo, and tourism are growing rapidly in India."

Modi pointed to possible collaboration in dairy, agriculture and food processing, saying, "New Zealand has vast expertise in horticulture, dairy science, and forestry. India has strengths in the consumer market, food parks, and agri-tech talent. Together, we can build farm-to-market value chains and global export platforms." He also invited New Zealand investors and companies to work with India in infrastructure development, logistics, clean energy, urban mobility, water management, waste management and the digital economy, and called for closer engagement in innovation, fintech and emerging technologies.

He urged business leaders to expand investment and commercial partnerships and help meet the goal of doubling bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion, about Rs 35,000 crore, by 2030. Modi said the India-New Zealand economic partnership could become a model for inclusive and sustainable trade and a platform for innovation and prosperity, as both countries look to deepen trade, investment and strategic ties.

With PTI Inputs

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