Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from New Delhi on an official three-nation visit covering Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The visit will begin in Indonesia, followed by Australia, and conclude in New Zealand. The trip is particularly significant as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in nearly 40 years, following the visit of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.Before leaving for the tour, Prime Minister Modi released a statement outlining the objectives of his visit, scheduled from July 6 to July 11. He said he would visit Indonesia from July 6 to July 8 at the invitation of Indonesian President **Prabowo Subianto>.Modi noted that his 2018 visit to Indonesia had strengthened bilateral ties and emphasized that the two nations share deep civilizational links and strong people-to-people connections. He expressed confidence that the latest visit would further expand cooperation across multiple sectors. During his stay, he is also expected to interact with the Indian diaspora and visit the historic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta alongside President Prabowo, highlighting the enduring cultural ties between the two countries.
Following Indonesia, the Prime Minister will travel to Melbourne, Australia, at the invitation of the Australian Prime Minister. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defence, trade, investment, and education.The final leg of the tour will take Modi to Auckland, where he will hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen economic cooperation, expand trade, and further strengthen bilateral relations. The visit follows the signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in April, which has opened a new chapter in the relationship between the two nationPrime Minister Modi said the three-nation visit would reinforce India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, the ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision, and the country’s commitment to promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region while strengthening strategic partnerships across the eastern and southern Indian Ocean.
