India, July 11 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a "historic milestone", saying it has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations and laid the foundation for deeper economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press interaction with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his historic visit to Auckland, Modi said India and New Zealand are natural partners bound by shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law and a common vision for a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Calling the recently concluded FTA a landmark achievement, the Prime Minister said the agreement would significantly boost bilateral trade...