PM Modi Begins Three-Nation Tour: Key Agenda For Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand Visits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6 to 11 to hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of the three countries, as India seeks to strengthen its strategic footprint across the Indo-Pacific region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Indonesia (July 6-8)

The first leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Indonesia from July 6 to 8. The visit will be his fourth to the country and his first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2018.

The visit comes at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The two leaders are expected to review progress in bilateral ties, with discussions focusing on maritime security, defence cooperation, connectivity, trade, energy and digital collaboration. PM Modi will also address the Indian diaspora before travelling to Yogyakarta to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple complex.

Australia (July 8-10)

PM Modi will then travel to Australia from July 8 to 10 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His main engagements will take place in Melbourne. During the visit, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks covering defence cooperation, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, education, technology and investment. PM Modi will also call on Governor-General Sam Mostyn, participate in the India-Australia CEOs Forum, visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

New Zealand (July 10-11)

The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to New Zealand from July 10 to 11 at the invitation of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The visit will mark the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, the last being Rajiv Gandhi's trip in 1986. During the two-day visit, PM Modi and PM Luxon will review progress in bilateral relations, with particular focus on the Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year to boost two-way trade in goods and services and encourage investment between the two countries.

The agreement is expected to eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand goods exported to India and includes a $20 billion investment commitment from Wellington, reflecting confidence in India's growth prospects. It also provides duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand, strengthening India's access to a high-income Pacific market while giving New Zealand greater access to one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. PM Modi will also meet leading business and sports personalities and address the Indian community in New Zealand.

Announcing the visit, PM Luxon wrote on social media, "I'm delighted to announce Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week."

"We are taking the two countries' relationship to the next level with our New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, signed in April, which will deliver more jobs, higher exports and stronger economic growth for New Zealand," he added.