India, NZ Give Ties a Strategic Lift

New Delhi: Giving a new dimension to bilateral relations, India and New Zealand on Saturday elevated ties to a strategic partnership following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kiwi PM Christopher Luxon. The talks between the two Prime Ministers yielded 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements.

The two countries set a target of doubling bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore by 2030 and agreed to expand engagement in multiple sectors. They also announced the establishment of a maritime security dialogue and enhanced cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, including efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

In a joint statement, the two sides adopted a “zero-tolerance” approach to terrorism and stressed the need to dismantle terror financing networks and safe havens. They condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and referred to recent incidents such as the Pahalgam attack and the incident near Red Fort, stating that those responsible must be held accountable.

Following wide-ranging talks during the Prime Minister's visit, India and New Zealand signed 10 pacts and eight announcements, including that of a strategic partnership.

“We have decided to elevate our ties to a strategic partnership. We will move forward across every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes,” Modi said. He said the discussions covered trade, technology, investment, agriculture, dairy, food processing, healthcare and traditional medicine, while highlighting growing cooperation in defence and security.

“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," Modi said, adding, "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. 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.” India and New Zealand 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 a 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 Modi and 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 rules-based international order.

The two Prime Ministers backed the 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, the joint statement said.

According to the joint statement, Modi and Luxon expressed concern over renewed escalation of tensions in West Asia and called upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians. The two Prime Ministers reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and adherence to international law to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

On Ukraine, Modi and Luxon expressed concern over the ongoing war, which continues to "cause immense human suffering and global consequences", as per the joint statement.

In Auckland, Modi also met with New Zealand's Opposition leader Chris Hipkins and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, including people-to-people ties. He also held an interaction with a select group of CEOs and business leaders.

The Prime Minister also addressed a gathering of the Indian diaspora. In his address, Modi 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, the Prime Minister said that the relationship between India and New Zealand is built on cherished memories, enduring friendship, shared values and a mutual commitment.