India-New Zealand bilateral relations are expected to strengthen across multiple sectors as New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon embarks on his first official visit to India since assuming office. Luxon will visit New Delhi from March 16 to 20, accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

“This is the first visit of a New Zealand Prime Minister to India in a long time,” said Bhav Dhillon, the former Honorary Consul of India in Auckland and a prominent member of the Indian diaspora. “Even before assuming office, Luxon had stated that India would be a top priority. He has a huge appetite, and rightly so, to engage with India — a global power in both the economy and geopolitics. The Prime Minister wants to engage with India at all levels, not just trade.”

Dhillon, who will accompany Luxon along with other Indian community members, described the visit as a potential turning point in bilateral relations. He expects “landmark outcomes” from the meeting between Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“India has arrived on the global stage and cannot be ignored. New Zealand is recognizing India’s growing influence and giving it the respect and attention it deserves. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed around education, sports, defence, and other sectors. A New Zealand Navy ship will also be docked in Mumbai during the visit,” Dhillon added.

New Zealand, a global leader in dairy farming, is looking to share its advancements in agricultural and horticultural technology with India.

“India has a strong demand for advanced agricultural and horticultural technology. New Zealand is ready to support India’s large agricultural sector, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision to uplift farmers. A broad-based partnership in this area would be mutually beneficial,” Dhillon said.

The current New Zealand government aims to build more than just a trade relationship with India.

“New Zealand seeks a deep, long-term partnership with India across multiple spheres — trade, defence, sports, education, fintech, and space technology. Strategic alignment over the Indo-Pacific and strengthening relations between sporting bodies are also key goals of this visit,” Dhillon noted.