New Delhi, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay has said India has undergone significant change over the past 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service, particularly in its economy, infrastructure and overall wealth.
Speaking to IANS, McClay said the focus on education, expansion of universities and large-scale infrastructure development had been significant areas of change during Modi’s years in public life.
“Of course, Prime Minister Modi has said he wants to increase the earnings of farmers and growers by 50 per cent by 2035. I think we’re joining him in that mission,” McClay said.
He said New Zealand could contribute through technology and innovation used in its agricultural sector, with the aim of working with India to improve farmers’ earnings.
“There’s a lot of advanced technology and innovation that we use in New Zealand that we will want to bring and work with India on to help increase the earnings of farmers in India, just as we have in New Zealand,” he said.
Modi is set to complete 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7, having served as Gujarat Chief Minister before becoming Prime Minister in 2014.
McClay said India and New Zealand had expanded their engagement beyond trade, with previous discussions and agreements covering several areas.
“Energy security is extremely important, and particularly around renewable energy, there will be a lot that we can do together,” he said, adding that the two countries had also signed cooperation agreements in security and planned constructive engagement between their military forces.
McClay described the India-New Zealand trade agreement as only the beginning of a broader effort by his government to deepen economic ties with India through greater focus and investment.
New Zealand is due to hold elections, and McClay said he hoped to visit India before the end of the year after the electoral process was completed.
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