Luxon’s critics might argue the work was mainly done by Trade Minister Todd McClay and MFAT’s trade negotiations team. Modi and his Trade Minister, Piyush Goyal, also of the BJP, surely noticed the signal. New Zealand is also the first country to promise new student mobility and post-study work visas specifically for Indians. Maintaining alignment on foreign and trade policy wherever possible is also part of a Prime Minister’s job. After getting any sort of deal agreed so quickly, Luxon will be praying Labour falls into line.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 26, 2025 11:33 UTC