Modi was welcomed in Auckland by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon with a traditional Maori ceremony and a guard of honor before the two leaders held talks at Government House. The visit follows the signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries in April, which both governments have presented as a major step toward strengthening economic ties.

The leaders described the new partnership as a framework to deepen cooperation across defense, trade, diplomacy, science, culture and sport. According to a joint statement, the agreement also provides for closer defense collaboration, including naval exercises, while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to a “free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

Modi called the agreement a “milestone” that would inject new momentum into bilateral relations, saying India and New Zealand were natural partners because of their shared commitment to democratic values.

The visit comes shortly after China conducted a ballistic missile test into the Pacific Ocean earlier this week, an event that heightened security concerns across the region. Although neither leader directly linked the new partnership to Beijing, Luxon confirmed that the missile launch featured in their discussions.

Asked whether closer ties with India were intended to counter China’s influence in the Pacific, Luxon declined to draw such a connection. He said New Zealand, as a small trading and maritime nation, sought to maintain strong relationships with as many like-minded partners as possible across trade and defense.

Modi’s trip marks the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister in 40 years, reflecting New Delhi’s expanding engagement in the Pacific as China’s diplomatic and military presence in the region has grown.

The Auckland visit was the final stop on Modi’s regional tour from July 6 to July 11, which also included Indonesia and Australia.

Later on Saturday, Modi and Luxon addressed a large gathering at Auckland’s Spark Arena attended by an estimated 10,000 or more members of New Zealand’s Indian community, which numbers around 300,000 people.

Modi praised the Indian diaspora, telling supporters they represented both India’s aspirations and New Zealand’s prosperity. Luxon also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community, saying it had become an integral part of New Zealand society.

Outside the venue, around 20 Sikh protesters demonstrated against Modi, displaying a mannequin of the Indian leader in prison clothing and criticizing his government. More than 100 Modi supporters responded with chants in his favor, prompting police to separate the two groups and prevent clashes.

The strategic partnership builds on the free trade agreement signed in April, which remains subject to parliamentary approval in New Zealand. Luxon, whose government faces general elections in November, has promoted the agreement as a source of economic growth and employment opportunities.

The trade deal has nevertheless generated domestic political debate, particularly over provisions easing immigration and visa access for Indian students and workers. Members of the coalition partner New Zealand First have criticized those measures.

Government minister Shane Jones said he opposed aspects of the agreement, remarking that he would not support what he described as a “butter chicken tsunami” coming to New Zealand. An Indian community leader condemned the comments, describing them as “outright racism.”

Modi’s trip, the final leg of his July 6-11 tour that also included Indonesia and Australia, is focused on strengthening bilateral ties in trade, tourism and sports. His visit comes after India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement in April, a pact championed by both governments as a catalyst for economic growth and closer strategic cooperation.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has described the agreement as a major opportunity to boost exports, investment and employment. The deal is widely expected to secure parliamentary approval.

The agreement, however, has drawn criticism from sections of New Zealand’s governing coalition, particularly over provisions related to migration and visas.

New Zealand First, a coalition partner in Luxon’s government, has voiced opposition to those elements of the pact. Government minister Shane Jones sparked controversy by saying he would not support what he described as a “butter chicken tsunami” coming to New Zealand, comments that prompted an Indian community leader to accuse him of racism.

The political debate has coincided with wider concerns over anti-migrant rhetoric targeting South Asian communities.

Evangelical preacher Brian Tamaki also drew condemnation after posting comments on Instagram following news of Modi’s visit. Tamaki accused the Indian leader of persecuting Christians in India and called for retaliatory action against Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims in New Zealand. New Zealand’s race relations commissioner described the remarks as “utterly appalling.”

Earlier this year, Maori activist Che Wilson was accused of directing racially tinged remarks toward an Indian-born New Zealand lawmaker during a haka performance, adding to public debate over discrimination.

Sita Venkateswar, an anthropologist at Massey University, said the visit was taking place against a backdrop in which Indian-New Zealanders were increasingly facing hostility.

“A ‘butter chicken tsunami’, slurs set to a haka, graffiti on a school wall — South Asians are already the most frequent targets of racially motivated incidents in our data,” she told AFP, adding that such incidents were both real and unacceptable.

Despite those tensions, the New Zealand government has emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship and sought to project a welcoming message during Modi’s visit.

Luxon said the visit celebrated “a winning partnership” between the two countries that would support greater prosperity and security for both nations.

During his stay, Modi is scheduled to attend an official ceremony at Government House and participate in business and sports engagements in Auckland. He is also expected to address up to 10,000 members of New Zealand’s Indian diaspora at a community event at Auckland’s Spark Arena.

New Zealand is home to an Indian community of about 300,000 people, making it one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing migrant communities. The visit reflects both governments’ efforts to deepen economic and people-to-people ties while navigating domestic political debates surrounding migration and multiculturalism.

In an interview with Reuters conducted by telephone late on Thursday and into Friday, Hasina said she and other exiled party leaders intended to return voluntarily, present themselves before the judiciary and challenge the legal proceedings against them.

“They may arrest me on my return, they may even kill me,” the 78-year-old said. “Still, I have to go.”

Hasina said she wanted to return because members of her party continued to face what she described as severe repression following the collapse of her government in 2024.

“My party leaders and workers are being subjected to tremendous repression. If death comes, I want it to come on my own soil, where my parents are buried and where their blood was shed,” she said.

Hasina fled to India in 2024 after nationwide protests ended her two decades in power across multiple terms. Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia in November over allegations that she ordered a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising. She has denied the charges.

Her planned return could deepen political tensions in Bangladesh, where authorities have sought to restore stability after two years of political upheaval. It also comes as relations between Bangladesh and India remain strained following New Delhi’s decision to grant Hasina refuge.

Bangladesh has repeatedly requested that India extradite the former prime minister. India’s foreign ministry has previously said it is examining the request while seeking to maintain constructive engagement with Bangladesh’s new government. Neither India’s foreign ministry nor Bangladesh’s government immediately commented on Hasina’s latest remarks.

Hasina said she had not discussed her return with any foreign government and had decided to return voluntarily.

“The authorities in Dhaka want to take me back, they are repeatedly sending letters to India seeking to have me sent back,” she said. “I will go myself.”

She said several senior Awami League leaders also intended to return and surrender. Among them is former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, who also faces a death sentence. Reuters could not independently confirm the plans of other party leaders or establish their current locations.

Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was long regarded as one of South Asia’s most influential political figures. She was credited with overseeing strong economic growth during her tenure but also faced persistent criticism from opponents and rights groups, who accused her government of suppressing dissent and weakening democratic institutions. She has consistently rejected those allegations.

A United Nations report said as many as 1,400 people were killed during the crackdown that preceded the fall of her government.

Hasina said she would not specify the exact date of her return or identify the court where she intended to surrender, but maintained that she wanted to expose what she described as an unfair judicial process.

“I believe in justice and I feel that once proceedings start, it will be clear to the people how farcical the court is,” she said.

She also defended the continued existence of the Awami League, saying the party should be judged by voters rather than banned by the authorities.

“They may have convicted me, and I may not be able to contest elections,” Hasina said. “But why should they suspend the Awami League? If we have done badly, let the people decide.”

Modi arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday night after concluding a visit to Indonesia, where he signed a series of agreements covering agriculture and defense, including cooperation involving the BrahMos cruise missile system. During his stay in Australia, he is also expected to meet leading business executives and members of the Indian diaspora.

Australian media reported that the two leaders could finalize an agreement on uranium exports to India. The Australian Financial Review said on Wednesday that such a deal was under consideration, although no official announcement had been made before Thursday’s meeting.

Australia and India signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2014, but uranium exports have remained limited because of concerns over ensuring that nuclear fuel is used exclusively for peaceful purposes, including energy generation.

Asked about the possibility of a uranium agreement, Albanese told reporters on Wednesday that he would have “more to say about that with Prime Minister Modi.” He added that the two governments had engaged constructively and said they would make a range of joint announcements during the visit.

The meeting comes as India and Australia continue expanding cooperation across trade, defense and regional security amid growing strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

India is Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner, after China, Japan, the United States and South Korea. Around one million people in Australia identify as being of Indian ancestry, reflecting strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Later on Thursday, Modi is expected to address thousands of members of the Indian community at one of Melbourne’s largest sports stadiums. Australian media reported that security around the venue had been strengthened following reports of planned protests.

Large gatherings of expatriate Indians have become a regular feature of Modi’s overseas visits. During his previous trip to Australia in 2023, thousands attended a community event in Sydney, while similar appearances have drawn large crowds in countries including the United Kingdom and the United States.

After concluding his visit to Australia, Modi is scheduled to travel to New Zealand on Friday before returning to India.

Rubio said the United States was working toward arranging the visit and that he was expected to travel to India later this year to prepare for Trump’s trip.

“We’re working toward sometime early next year to have the president come,” Rubio told IANS, adding that negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement were nearing completion. “We’re on the last inches of getting it done and it’s very positive,” he said.

The proposed visit follows a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in France last week, where Trump described their discussions as “very good.”

India has sought a visit by Trump for several months, with discussions also including the possibility of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among Indo-Pacific partners.

Relations between Washington and New Delhi have faced strains over the past year after the United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Bilateral ties have also been affected by U.S. engagement with Pakistan, India’s regional rival.

Rubio traveled to India last month in an effort to stabilize relations. However, diplomatic tensions resurfaced after three Indian sailors were killed during attacks on commercial shipping involving U.S. naval operations in the Gulf.

Despite those challenges, officials from both countries have continued negotiations on trade and broader strategic cooperation, with Rubio signaling that progress toward a bilateral agreement remains positive.

Hundreds of students and young activists gathered under heavy police presence, banging steel plates and spoons while carrying placards criticizing the government’s handling of public examinations. Security forces deployed additional personnel, surveillance cameras and drones to monitor the demonstration.

The protest centered on the alleged leak of question papers for a nationwide medical entrance examination last month through the messaging platform Telegram. Authorities subsequently postponed the examination, temporarily blocked access to Telegram in India and launched an investigation. The exam has been rescheduled for Sunday.

The utensil-banging demonstration appeared to mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2020 appeal for Indians to applaud frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by striking pots and pans from balconies and rooftops.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party and a political communications strategist studying at Boston University, urged supporters through social media to bring plates and spoons to the protest. Addressing the gathering, Dipke called for Pradhan’s resignation and said the movement was willing to engage in dialogue with the government if the minister stepped down.

“This is just the beginning,” protester Deepak Kumar said. “If Dharmendra Pradhan doesn’t resign or if no action is taken regarding this issue, this protest will not end here.”

Students at the demonstration expressed frustration over recurring allegations of examination leaks and concerns about fairness in competitive recruitment and admission processes.

“We study in poverty, live in poverty for years, and after that our exam papers get leaked,” said student Vicky Kumar. “Will I not get angry at this?”

The Cockroach Janta Party emerged in May after comments by Supreme Court Judge Surya Kant comparing some unemployed young people to “cockroaches” sparked criticism online. Supporters adopted the term as a symbol of resilience and transformed it into a political movement that has gained significant traction on social media.

According to organizers, the movement has attracted more than 22 million followers on Instagram. Initially focused on youth unemployment, it has broadened its agenda to include concerns about rising living costs, governance and public accountability.

The movement’s rapid growth reflects mounting frustration among sections of India’s youth over employment opportunities and institutional transparency. Its blend of satire, internet culture and political messaging has helped it gain visibility, particularly among younger voters and students.

The government has said the examination leak is under investigation. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has not publicly responded to Saturday’s protest.

The meeting took place in Evian-les-Bains, France, where Modi attended the summit as a guest of French President Emmanuel Macron. It came a week after India formally protested a U.S. strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman during Washington’s military campaign aimed at restricting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Appearing alongside Modi, Trump dismissed suggestions of tensions between the two countries

The ambassador highlighted that the visit is expected to deepen bilateral relations and create opportunities in areas of mutual interest.

The visit comes as India continues to expand partnerships with European nations, focusing on trade, investment, technology and people-to-people connections.

Officials said the engagement is aimed at boosting cooperation and further strengthening India-Slovakia relations.

Modi’s visit includes meetings in France and Slovakia before he attends the G7 summit in Evian, France, marking India’s 13th participation as a partner country at the forum. The G7 members include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Indian government said it would call for safe and unrestricted maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, while raising broader concerns linked to developments in West Asia.“We want and we have urged that there be unimpeded and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law,” Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.

The comments came after US attacks on vessels near Hormuz that killed three Indian sailors. The US Central Command said the strike was carried out because the tanker involved was “attempting to transport oil from Iran.”India’s foreign ministry said protecting the welfare and security of its seafaring community remained a priority.

More than 320,000 Indians work as mariners globally, making them one of the largest national groups in the profession, while about 20,000 are currently serving on commercial vessels in the Hormuz region, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India.The Indian Embassy in Oman said three ships staffed by Indian personnel in the Gulf had been attacked by American forces during the week.

Modi is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit, with the issue likely to feature in discussions between the two leaders.Analysts said the incidents had increased India’s focus on securing maritime movement across the wider Gulf corridor, with New Delhi seeking clarity over the protection of civilian shipping.

The summit will also provide India an opportunity to engage with Gulf countries invited by France, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt.The G7 meeting begins on Monday in France, bringing together leaders of major industrial economies to discuss global economic and security issues.

For more than a decade, Narendra Modi has remained at the center of Indian politics, shaping national debates, influencing policy priorities, and redefining the contours of electoral campaigning.

His political journey from a modest upbringing in Gujarat to becoming India’s longest-serving non-Congress prime minister represents one of the most significant leadership stories in modern democratic history.Since first taking office as prime minister in May 2014, Modi has led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through multiple national elections and overseen a period of profound political transformation.

His continued prominence in public life has made him one of the most recognizable political figures globally and one of the most influential leaders India has produced in the post-independence era.Modi’s rise was neither sudden nor accidental.

Born in Vadnagar in Gujarat, he spent decades working within the organizational framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) before becoming a key strategist and political organizer for the BJP. His reputation as an effective administrator grew during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, where he promoted industrial development, infrastructure expansion, and investment-driven growth.

By the time he entered the national stage in 2014, India was witnessing growing public demand for decisive leadership, economic development, and administrative efficiency. Modi positioned himself as a leader capable of delivering change, presenting a vision centered on governance, growth, and national confidence.

The BJP’s landslide victory that year marked a turning point in Indian politics.What has distinguished Modi from many of his predecessors is his ability to maintain a direct connection with voters across social, economic, and regional divides. Through mass rallies, digital outreach, radio broadcasts, and extensive travel, he has cultivated a public image that extends beyond traditional political structures.

Political analysts frequently point to this communication strategy as one of the principal reasons for his durability. Rather than relying solely on party machinery, Modi developed a personal rapport with supporters, turning elections into leadership-centered contests.

Another factor behind his longevity has been the BJP’s organizational strength. Under Modi’s leadership, the party expanded its electoral footprint into regions where it had historically struggled. State-level victories, grassroots mobilization, and a disciplined campaign structure helped transform the BJP into India’s dominant political force.

His tenure has also been marked by major policy initiatives. Programs aimed at expanding financial inclusion, increasing access to sanitation facilities, improving digital connectivity, and delivering welfare benefits directly to citizens have formed a central pillar of his governance model.

Supporters argue that these initiatives have improved state capacity and brought government services closer to ordinary citizens.Modi’s leadership has coincided with India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

During his years in office, India strengthened its position in global supply chains, expanded digital infrastructure, and increased its international profile through active diplomacy and participation in multilateral forums.On the world stage, Modi has cultivated relationships with leaders across ideological and geographic divides.

His engagements with the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region have reflected an effort to position India as a leading global power.Several international leaders have publicly acknowledged India’s growing influence during Modi’s tenure.

Former and current world leaders have often described him as a strong political mandate-holder capable of implementing long-term policy goals. International forums including the G20 have provided platforms where India’s voice has become increasingly prominent.

At home, Modi’s supporters frequently cite his work ethic, disciplined lifestyle, and focus on execution as qualities that distinguish his leadership. His political messaging often emphasizes national pride, cultural heritage, self-reliance, and development.

These themes have resonated with large segments of the electorate and helped sustain his popularity across multiple election cycles.Yet longevity in democratic politics also invites scrutiny. Modi’s years in office have been accompanied by intense political debate over economic decisions, social policies, institutional reforms, and questions relating to governance.

Critics have challenged aspects of his administration’s approach, while supporters argue that difficult decisions were necessary to pursue broader national objectives.This combination of strong support and strong criticism has, paradoxically, reinforced Modi’s centrality in Indian politics.

Few leaders in contemporary India have generated such sustained public engagement, ensuring that political discourse often revolves around his policies and leadership style.Beyond electoral success, Modi’s influence can be seen in how political campaigning itself has evolved.

Modern Indian elections increasingly emphasize leadership branding, digital communication, data-driven outreach, and direct voter engagement. Many political parties have adapted elements of the campaign model refined during the Modi era.His journey has also become a source of inspiration for many supporters who view his rise from humble beginnings as evidence of the opportunities available within India’s democratic system.

The narrative of perseverance, organizational dedication, and long-term political commitment has become a defining feature of his public image.Historians and political observers will ultimately debate the long-term impact of Modi’s tenure. However, there is little disagreement about the scale of his influence.

He has presided over a period in which India experienced major economic, technological, diplomatic, and political changes while remaining one of the most electorally successful leaders in the country’s history.

As India continues its development journey, Modi’s legacy will be assessed through multiple lenses: economic performance, governance reforms, social transformation, foreign policy achievements, and his ability to reshape the political landscape. Regardless of where those debates lead, his place among the most consequential leaders of modern India is already firmly established.