India Makes Historic Debut at Fieldays 2026 in New Zealand

• India participated in Fieldays 2026 for the first time with the ‘Incredible India’ Pavilion.
• The pavilion highlighted India’s strengths in agriculture, agri-tech, manufacturing and tourism.
• New Zealand ministers, diplomats and industry leaders attended the inaugural event.
• The four-day event strengthened India-New Zealand cooperation in trade, investment and innovation.

GG News Bureau
Hamilton, 18th June: India marked a historic milestone in India-New Zealand relations with its debut participation at Fieldays 2026, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural exhibition, through the launch of the first-ever “Incredible India” Pavilion at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

The India Pavilion was inaugurated by New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay, Minister Louise Upston, Minister Tama Potaka, along with India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Muanpuii Saiawi and Consul General of India in Auckland Dr Madan Mohan Sethi. The event witnessed the participation of industry leaders, business representatives and members of the Indian and New Zealand communities.

The pavilion showcased India’s rapid transformation in agriculture, agri-technology, food processing, innovation, manufacturing, tourism and culture, creating a platform for new business collaborations and stronger economic engagement between India and New Zealand.

India’s participation at Fieldays 2026 came at a significant time in bilateral relations following the conclusion of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to create fresh opportunities in trade, investment, technology partnerships, market access and agricultural cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Todd McClay highlighted the growing economic relationship between the two countries and emphasised greater cooperation in agriculture, innovation, food technology, education and trade in the post-FTA era.

The India Pavilion attracted strong interest from farmers, agribusiness leaders, exporters, researchers, technology providers and visitors from across New Zealand. On the opening day alone, the pavilion welcomed more than 1,000 visitors, who explored India’s economic transformation and opportunities for New Zealand businesses seeking access to the Indian market through interactive digital displays.

Over the four days of Fieldays, several prominent dignitaries visited the pavilion. On Day Two, Rt. Hon. Chris Hipkins, Minister Louise Upston, MP Paramjit Parmar and New Zealand trade official Vangelis Vitalis visited the pavilion and discussed opportunities arising from the India-New Zealand FTA.

During Student Day on the third day, Minister Todd McClay, Minister Mark Mitchell, representatives from the Irish Consulate, Zoho and several other distinguished guests visited the pavilion, engaging with exhibitors and exploring India’s technological and agricultural capabilities.

The final day of Fieldays, celebrated as Family Day, highlighted the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour visited the pavilion and congratulated the Consulate General of India on India’s first-ever participation at Fieldays, welcoming greater engagement with New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

The Consulate General of India in Auckland described the successful debut of the “Incredible India” Pavilion as a significant step towards deepening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade, innovation and cultural exchange. It noted that India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, offers immense opportunities for New Zealand businesses looking to engage with one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world.