New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for bilateral talks at Hyderabad House today, where the agenda is expected to focus on the economic and security aspects of the ties.

Earlier, the New Zealand PM paid tribute at the Rajghat.

The MEA spokesperson said in posts on X:

“PM @narendramodi warmly welcomed PM @chrisluxonmp of New Zealand at Hyderabad House today.

“Extensive discussions on India-New Zealand bilateral relationship lie ahead.”

The New Zealand PM is keen to re-launch negotiations with India on a Free Trade Agreement, a decade after they were last held.

The last round of talks was held under the John Key government.

According to a report, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay is quoted as saying that during his

talks with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday, the two sides arrived at a breakthrough in the FTA negotiations.

“We’ve had a breakthrough in the economic relationship with India,” Luxon told the New Zealand media, while standing in the garden of his Delhi hotel.

“It’s a great win for New Zealand,” he told reporters. "It's a great way to start the trip. I mean, we've got a breakthrough economic agenda here."

Luxon made the comments after touching down on the Defence Force 757 in India on Sunday, and was treated to a colourful cultural performance by traditional folk dancers on arrival.

"We have committed to working as quickly as we can to deliver an agreement that works for both sides," McClay said, standing alongside Luxon. "The hard work starts now."

Previous trade talks running from 2011 through to 2015 were unsuccessful, with dairy proving a major obstacle.

PM Luxon said he was undeterred by the challenge and confirmed talks would start with a fresh slate, beginning next month.

UNI RN