Prime Minister Christopher Luxon feted his guest with an indigenous Maori welcome and guard of honour, seeking to expand relations after signing a free-trade pact in April that he has touted as an economic boon.Modi's visit, at the tail end of a July 6-11 tour that has also taken him to Indonesia and Australia, comes shortly after China test-fired a ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on Monday, stirring unease in the region.It is the first visit to New Zealand by an Indian prime minister in 40 years, a sign of Delhi's deeper engagement at a time of strengthened Chinese diplomatic and military sway in the Pacific.India and New Zealand's partnership will provide "framework and breadth", Luxon said while hosting Modi at Government House in Auckland.Modi described it as a milestone that would inspire "greater energy and confidence", telling the New Zealand leader: "Our firm belief in democratic values makes us natural partners."The pact encompasses tighter defence cooperation, including with naval exercises, as well as stronger ties in trade, diplomacy, culture, sport and science, the two countries said in a joint statement.Their nations have a shared interest in a "free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific", they said.'Outright racism'The big event for the Indian leader's visit is expected to be his starring role before as many as 10,000 supporters from the country's 300,000-strong Indian diaspora at a community event in Auckland's Spark Arena.Two days earlier, a similar event in Melbourne, Australia, attracted nearly 30,000 adoring Modi fans.