New Delhi: Giving a new dimension to their historic ties, India and New Zealand on Saturday elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and his NZ counterpart Mr Christopher Luxon. The move will strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, tourism, culture, sports, agri-tech, people-to-people ties, as well as coordination on Indo-Pacific priorities and multilateral issues. Besides, in order to boost commercial activities, the two countries have set a four-year target to double their annual bilateral trade in goods and services to Rs 35,000 crore by 2030.
In a joint statement the two leaders called for a “zero-tolerance” approach to terrorism, and underlined the need for disrupting terror financing networks and safe havens. While condemning of terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, both PMs specifically condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the terror incident near Red Fort last year and stressed that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable.
Ten pacts were signed after the talks and eight announcements were made including that of Strategic Partnership. The agreements were in the field defence, security, counter terrorism, sports, culture, tourism and maritime. PM Modi said India and New Zealand are working together to build an even stronger partnership for the future.
“We have decided to elevate our ties to a Strategic Partnership. We will move forward across every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes,” Mr Modi said in a post on X after the talks. He added that the areas which were prominently covered in the talks with PM Luxon include trade, technology and investment linkages.
“We have also developed a strong framework for cooperation in agriculture, dairy and food processing. Equally important is the emphasis on healthcare and traditional medicine. Our growing cooperation in defence and security reflects the deep strategic trust between our two countries. This is something we will build on as well. PM Luxon and I firmly believe that the greatest strength of our relationship lies in our people-to-people ties. In that spirit, we will enhance cooperation in education, sports, culture, heritage and creative industries,” said Mr Modi.
The two nations announced the establishment of a Maritime Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation, coordination and information exchange. Under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), New Zealand has joined the maritime security aspect to undertake specific cooperation activities focused on combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. New Zealand is also joining the Global Biofuels Alliance to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable biofuels for cleaner energy transition.
A Kiwifruit Action Plan is being launched along with the establishment of two Centres of Excellence in Nagaland and Uttarakhand, to boost productivity. A framework for collaboration in Antarctic research has also been worked out to promote joint research, academic exchange, capacity building, and other mutually beneficial scientific and educational activities.
The joint statement said that Mr Modi and Mr Luxon exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open, and prosperous region. They also emphasised the importance of safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rules-based international order. The two PMs called for freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On the West Asia conflict, the two PMs expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians, the joint statement said. They reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, and adherence to international law to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict. On Ukraine, Mr Modi and Mr Luxon expressed concern over the ongoing war, which continues to “cause immense human suffering and global consequences,” as per the joint statement.
Mr Modi on Saturday also met with New Zealand’s Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, including people-to-people ties and held an interaction with a select group of CEOs and business leaders.
The PM also addressed the gathering of Indian diaspora and said India’s pace of development is unprecedented despite global challenges while asserting that the country is giving the world a new model of development. Speaking at an Indian community event titled ‘Kia Ora Modi’ in Auckland, PM said that the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment.
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