Modi, Luxon push deeper India-New Zealand ties to strengthen Indo-Pacific

Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon held talks in New Zealand and signed multiple agreements. The meeting sharpened focus on Indo-Pacific cooperation, trade growth and diaspora links.

In Short

• Several sectoral agreements were signed after the leaders' bilateral talks
• India's first prime ministerial visit in four decades marked a diplomatic milestone
• Bilateral trade currently stands at around USD 2.25 billion between both nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said deeper cooperation between India and New Zealand, both maritime nations, would give new strength to the Indo-Pacific during talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon. The meeting came during the final leg of Modi’s three-nation tour, which largely focused on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Following the talks, the two sides signed a number of agreements to expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years and comes after the recent signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Modi said, “As two maritime nations, our close cooperation, lends new strength to the Indo-Pacific, and our ties can infuse fresh energy into achieving our shared goals of peace.”

India’s bilateral trade with New Zealand stands at USD 2.25 billion. With the FTA and an almost tariff-free business environment, there is a strong likelihood of rapid trade growth. Both countries are also aiming to double their trade in goods and services by 2030.

The FTA’s provision of USD 20 billion investment in India over the next 15 years is expected to drive a stronger economic partnership. New Zealand is home to over 3 lakh people of Indian origin, who have been playing an important role in the country’s politics, economy and business.

The talks between Modi and Luxon underlined the push to deepen bilateral ties through stronger maritime, economic and people-to-people links, with both sides looking to build on the momentum created by the new trade agreement.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends