Synopsis
On March 18, 2023, Prime Minister Modi and New Zealand PM Luxon committed to strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade, and deepening defense cooperation while ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders discussed key agreements and emphasized the importance of terrorism, sports diplomacy, and immigration cooperation.Key Takeaways
- Strengthening India-NZ bilateral ties
- Enhancing trade through a Free Trade Agreement
- Deepening defense cooperation and maritime security
- Promoting sports diplomacy and cultural exchange
- Addressing immigration and digital cooperation
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reiterated their dedication to enhancing bilateral ties, boosting trade, fortifying defense cooperation, and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking to the press after their discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, both leaders took a strong stand against terrorism and pledged to strengthen people-to-people connections.
Luxon, who arrived in Delhi on Sunday for his inaugural official trip to India, is the first Prime Minister of New Zealand to visit in nine years.
During his address, PM Modi recognized Luxon's long-standing relationship with India.
"We all observed the festive spirit he created by celebrating Holi in Auckland recently. His warmth towards the Indian-origin community in New Zealand is clear from the sizable delegation accompanying him on this visit," PM Modi remarked.
The visiting Prime Minister is set to participate in the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue, India's premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, as the chief guest, reflecting his leadership and engagement with India. PM Modi noted that their discussions encompassed various topics, including trade, security, and investment, resulting in several significant agreements.
Both leaders consented to formalize defense and security collaboration, concentrating on joint exercises, training initiatives, and partnerships in the defense sector. PM Modi also highlighted the increasing maritime security cooperation, noting a New Zealand naval vessel is currently docked in Mumbai.
Trade was another significant aspect discussed, with both nations agreeing to initiate negotiations for a mutually advantageous Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
"This will bolster our mutual trade and investment opportunities in areas such as dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals," stated Prime Minister Modi.
Investment and collaboration priorities were identified in renewable energy, critical minerals, forestry, and horticulture. PM Modi expressed confidence that the business delegation accompanying Luxon would uncover new prospects in India.
The leaders also highlighted sports diplomacy, acknowledging the historic sporting connections between India and New Zealand.
"We have decided to celebrate a century of sporting relations between our countries in 2026," PM Modi announced, adding that both nations would work together in sports science, psychology, and medicine, while facilitating player exchanges and coaching opportunities.
On the topic of immigration, PM Modi underscored the importance of a formal agreement to facilitate the movement of skilled workers while addressing illegal migration. He also pointed to the need for enhanced digital cooperation, including expanding UPI connectivity and digital transactions. Furthermore, he invited New Zealand universities to set up campuses in India to strengthen educational connections.
Condemning terrorism, both leaders denounced attacks such as the 2019 Christchurch attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, reiterating that terrorism in any form is intolerable.
"It is essential to take stringent action against the perpetrators of terrorist attacks. We will persist in our cooperation against terrorist, separatist, and extremist factions," PM Modi stated, urging New Zealand's continued support in countering anti-India activities by illegal entities in the country.
Reaffirming their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, PM Modi reiterated both countries' commitment to a free, open, secure, and thriving region. He welcomed New Zealand's decision to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, emphasizing that both nations advocate for "development, not expansionism."
Using a sports analogy, PM Modi compared the growing India-New Zealand partnership to a rugby strategy, asserting, "In rugby terms, we are both prepared to face the future of our relations. We are ready to step up and take responsibility for a bright partnership, and I am confident that our collaboration will be a match-winning partnership for both nations' citizens."
After the meeting, both leaders oversaw the signing of several bilateral agreements.
Luxon, addressing the media, commended the robust people-to-people connections between the two nations. "We have just concluded a series of highly productive meetings and witnessed multiple government-to-government arrangements that will enhance the growing ties between India and New Zealand," he stated.
He emphasized that their joint statement encapsulated the breadth of discussions and outlined their collective aspirations.
"I trust that our meeting has left Prime Minister Modi in no doubt about New Zealand's strong commitment to fostering a deep, broad-based, and enduring relationship with the great nation of India," Luxon stated.
He reiterated New Zealand's commitment to increasing collaboration across various sectors, including defense, security, trade, education, tourism, sports, and culture.
On trade, Luxon acknowledged the expansion potential, noting that the current annual two-way trade of NZD 3 billion could grow significantly.
"In this context, I am pleased to announce the initiation of Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which will be ambitious, balanced, and mutually beneficial," he declared.
Discussing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand's pledge to regional stability. He highlighted ongoing maritime security cooperation, noting the Royal New Zealand Navy's leadership in the Combined Task Force 150, which focuses on protecting trade routes and combating smuggling, piracy, and terrorism in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
He expressed pride in New Zealand's participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, aligning both nations with their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.
Highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, Luxon mentioned that the delegation accompanying him consisted of prominent figures from business, law, education, media, and sports.
"The depth and significance of these connections are demonstrated by the delegation of proud Kiwi-Indians who have joined me on this mission," he remarked.
He also elaborated on the strong sporting ties between the two nations, describing cricket as a "shared passion." He was joined by New Zealand cricket legends Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel, who are part of the delegation.
Luxon humorously referred to the recent Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, joking that he and PM Modi had mutually decided not to discuss the outcome to avoid a "major diplomatic incident"!
In a bid to further enhance diplomatic engagement, Luxon announced that New Zealand would boost its diplomatic presence in India by over 60 percent.
"This highlights our commitment to the relationship and our ambition to see it flourish even more," he stated.
Concluding on a note of camaraderie, Luxon extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit New Zealand at his convenience.
Earlier in the day, Luxon paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat before proceeding to Hyderabad House for the bilateral discussions.
Taking to the social media platform X, he posted, "New Zealand and India bookend the Indo-Pacific, but distance is no barrier to our pursuit of a brighter future for both our nations. Thank you for welcoming me to New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
