Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Monday pledged to bolster their bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence, and cooperation for regional peace in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders discussed key areas of collaboration during talks held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, which marked Luxon’s first official visit to India.
In a joint statement, both leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening trade relations, enhancing defence cooperation, and expanding people-to-people ties. The two leaders also addressed security challenges, reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Luxon, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to visit India in nine years. In his remarks, PM Modi acknowledged Luxon’s longstanding association with India and praised his deep connection with the Indian-origin community in New Zealand.
“We all saw the way he created a festive atmosphere by playing Holi in Auckland a few days ago. His affection for the Indian-origin community in New Zealand is evident from the large delegation accompanying him on this visit,” PM Modi said.
The two leaders covered a range of topics during their discussions, including trade, security, and investment.
Trade emerged as a major focus during the talks, with both Prime Ministers agreeing to initiate negotiations for a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand. PM Modi highlighted the potential for enhancing trade in sectors such as dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
“We are confident that this will enhance mutual trade and investment,” PM Modi said, emphasizing that the agreement would unlock new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Luxon also identified renewable energy, critical minerals, forestry, and horticulture as priority sectors for investment and collaboration. He expressed optimism that the delegation accompanying him would explore new opportunities in India.
Both leaders agreed to institutionalize defence and security cooperation, focusing on joint military exercises, training programs, and collaboration in the defence industry. PM Modi underscored the growing maritime security cooperation between India and New Zealand, noting the scheduled port call of a New Zealand naval ship in Mumbai.
The leaders also expressed concern over the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the region. PM Modi welcomed New Zealand’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), underscoring the shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Terrorism was another major point of discussion, with both leaders strongly condemning attacks such as the 2019 Christchurch attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. PM Modi reiterated the need for strict action against terrorist elements and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between India and New Zealand in combating terrorism.
“Strict action against the culprits of terrorist attacks is necessary. We will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist, and fundamentalist elements,” PM Modi said.
Luxon expressed New Zealand’s commitment to addressing anti-India activities by illegal elements operating in the country, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to tackle terrorism.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties, particularly through education, tourism, and sports. Modi called for greater cooperation in sports science, psychology, and medicine and noted that both nations would celebrate 100 years of sporting relations in 2026.
“We will facilitate player exchanges and coaching programs, further deepening our sporting relations,” PM Modi said. Luxon, who was accompanied by New Zealand cricket greats Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel, praised the strong sporting ties between the two nations, jokingly referring to the recent Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand.
PM Modi also called for the establishment of New Zealand universities in India to strengthen educational cooperation. He stressed the importance of a formal agreement to facilitate the mobility of skilled workers while addressing illegal migration.
In a notable announcement, Luxon stated that New Zealand would increase its diplomatic presence in India by more than 60 percent, underscoring his country’s commitment to furthering the relationship with India.
Luxon extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit New Zealand at his convenience, further cementing the growing diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, Luxon paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat before heading to Hyderabad House for bilateral talks. On social media, he shared, “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.”
Later in the day, Luxon is set to attend the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, as the chief guest. He will also deliver the keynote address at the event.
(With IANS inputs)
