India, July 12 -- India's growing middle class, large-scale digital adoption and infrastructure push, combined with policy and political stability, make it a launchpad for global growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday as he sought investments from New Zealand into the country.

New Zealand and India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in a record time of nine months, opening new opportunities in market access, investment, services, technology and talent mobility, Modi said while addressing a business event alongside Kiwi Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

"I am confident that by working with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, we will double bilateral trade by 2030," he said, referring to a target set by both sides to take two-w...