NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in meaningful discussions with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, focusing on boosting collaboration in trade, defense, maritime security, education, science, technology, agriculture, space exploration, workforce mobility, and sports.
Both leaders also deliberated on deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of stability and shared economic growth.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on a five-day official visit to India, is leading the largest-ever New Zealand delegation to the country, underscoring the visit’s strategic significance.
In a joint statement, Prime Ministers Modi and Luxon reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral relations, rooted in democratic principles and mutual strategic interests.
They stressed the need to enhance economic cooperation, particularly through revived Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, while also endorsing New Zealand’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to ensure regional stability and prosperity.
Both leaders agreed that closer engagement is essential to addressing global challenges, maintaining peace, and fostering long-term economic growth.
The visit marks a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations, with an emphasis on resuming FTA negotiations and New Zealand formally joining IPOI.
Major Outcomes of the Meeting
1. Strengthening Economic and Trade Ties
•India and New Zealand to initiate Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions.
•Talks launched to ease the movement of skilled professionals between both nations.
2. Maritime and Defense Partnership
•New Zealand officially joins the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
•India and New Zealand sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation.
3. Infrastructure and Disaster Resilience
•New Zealand becomes a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
4. Trade and Agriculture Collaboration
•Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA) signed between India’s CBIC and New Zealand’s Customs Service to streamline trade.
•MoU on Horticulture inked between India’s Agriculture Ministry and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
•Letter of Intent on Forestry signed between India’s Environment Ministry and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
5. Education and Cultural Exchange
•Education Cooperation Agreement signed between both nations’ education ministries.
•MoU on Sports signed between India’s Youth Affairs & Sports Ministry and Sport New Zealand.
The visit has further solidified India-New Zealand relations, with both leaders committing to greater economic integration, enhanced maritime collaboration, and deeper people-to-people connections.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Luxon will inaugurate the Raisina Dialogue, where he is the chief guest and will participate in discussions alongside Prime Minister Modi.