At the invitation of PM Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, is on an Official Visit to India on 16-20 March 2025. Prime Minister Luxon, who is on his first visit to India in his current capacity, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai, accompanied by Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities and Sport and Recreation, and Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry, along with a high-level delegation comprising officials, representatives of businesses, community diaspora, media, and cultural groups. The number of delegations shows how important this visit is for both nations.
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand. It is anchored in shared democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. They recognized existing potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in various areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people, and sports. India also raised the issue of radical and extremist Khalistani groups operating on New Zealand soil.
Maritime and Defence Cooperation
On political, defence, and security cooperation, the prime ministers acknowledged the importance of parliamentary exchanges and encouraged regular visits of parliamentary delegations. They acknowledged the shared history of sacrifice of Indian and New Zealand service personnel. The signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation was welcomed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. New Zealand welcomed India joining the Combined Maritime Forces, and both leaders agreed on the need for regular dialogue to discuss the enhancement of maritime safety.
Cooperation in Multilateral Organization
In regional and multilateral cooperation, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to an open, inclusive, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. They supported UN reforms, including Security Council expansion, and New Zealand endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for disrupting terrorism financing networks. They also emphasized the importance of peace in the Middle East and a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
FTA negotiation Launched
On trade, investment, and financial matters, the Prime Ministers welcomed sustained trade and investment flows between India and New Zealand and called for further exploring the potential to expand bilateral trade. They encouraged businesses on both sides to cultivate links and explore emerging economic and investment opportunities. Both leaders welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement to achieve deeper economic integration. The signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) under the aegis of the Customs Cooperation Arrangement (CCA) signed in 2024 was also welcomed, which would facilitate easier movement of goods between the two countries. Additionally, new cooperation on horticulture and forestry was initiated, including the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Horticulture and a Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation.
India expresses concern over Khalistani Presence in New Zealand
During the meeting between PM Modi and PM Luxon in Hydrabad House, India raised the issue of radical and extremist Khalistani groups operating on New Zealand soil, posing a threat to diplomats and the larger Indian community in the country. After the discussion, the joint statement mentioned, “Both leaders agreed on the significance of ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community, including students, in New Zealand, and of New Zealanders in India and visitors to India.” The two leaders also reiterated their “absolute condemnation” of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism.
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New Zealand backed Indian Leadership in the International Solar Alliance
In science and technology, and disaster management, the two leaders called for stronger collaboration to develop and commercialize technologies through closer ties between businesses and industries. New Zealand repeated its support for India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and welcomed India’s initiative in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). The leaders also welcomed work towards a Memorandum of Cooperation on earthquake mitigation cooperation.
Enhancing People-to-People Relations
In education, mobility, sports, and people-to-people ties, both Prime Ministers agreed on strengthening education and community links. The refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement was signed between the Indian Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Additionally, the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports was welcomed to foster greater sporting engagement. The leaders also encouraged further promotion of cultural ties through music, dance, theatre, films, and festivals.
A win-win situation for India and New Zealand
Prime Minister Luxon thanked Prime Minister Modi, the government, and the people of India for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his official visit to India. He also invited Prime Minister Modi to embark on a reciprocal visit to New Zealand.
The outcome of the visit highlights a win-win situation for both nations. India has a like-minded nation in the Indo-Pacific that wants to collaborate with India in various fields, whereas New Zealand found a friend in South Asia bordering the Indian Ocean, which increased the geopolitical reach of New Zealand.
