NEW DELHI: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrived in Delhi on Sunday for an official visit to India. He was received at the airport by minister of state for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, SP Singh Baghel.
As Luxon landed in Delhi, India and New Zealand also started negotiations for a “comprehensive and mutually beneficial” Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to a statement from the Union commerce ministry.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. This marks a significant milestone in our partnership, reflecting our shared vision to deepen trade ties and expand economic opportunities,” Union minister Piyush Goyal said in a post on X.
Luxon will be the chief guest and keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue, which will take place in New Delhi from March 17 to 19.
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, posted on X: “Warm welcome to PM @chrisluxonmp of New Zealand as he arrives in New Delhi on his first official visit. Received by MoS for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Prof SP Singh Baghel, at the airport. PM Luxon will also be the Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker in the @raisinadialogue 2025.”
Later on Sunday, external affairs minister S Jaishankar will meet Luxon. On Monday, Luxon will visit Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, according to an MEA media advisory.
Luxon and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on Monday at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The meeting will include an exchange of MoUs. Later in the day, Luxon will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Luxon will also hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi and attend the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest.
His visit to India is from March 16 to 20, marking his first trip to the country as prime minister. He is traveling with one of the largest delegations a New Zealand prime minister has brought.
On March 19-20, Luxon will visit Mumbai before returning to Wellington.
The Raisina Dialogue is India’s conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, focusing on international challenges. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the event on March 17. The theme for the 2025 edition is “Kalachakra – People, Peace and Planet.”