New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of an international summit on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, enhancing trade relations, and expanding cooperation in various sectors, including defense, technology, and education.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Modi and PM Luxon discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between India and New Zealand. Both leaders acknowledged the growing importance of their strategic partnership and expressed a commitment to expanding cooperation in political, economic, and cultural spheres.
PM Modi emphasized India’s desire to build deeper ties with New Zealand, particularly in the areas of trade, defense, and sustainable development. PM Luxon highlighted New Zealand’s interest in strengthening ties with India, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries have shared interests in maintaining peace and stability.
2. Boosting Trade and Economic Cooperation
The two leaders explored opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment. India and New Zealand’s current trade volume stands at approximately $2.5 billion, and both leaders agreed on the need to increase this figure by removing trade barriers and encouraging greater market access.
PM Modi proposed enhancing cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, and technology. He also stressed the importance of creating a favorable environment for Indian businesses to operate in New Zealand. PM Luxon welcomed India’s proposals and invited more Indian businesses to explore investment opportunities in New Zealand.
3. Collaboration in Defense and Security
Defense and maritime security were central points of discussion during the meeting. PM Modi highlighted the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and called for greater maritime cooperation between the two nations.
PM Luxon acknowledged India’s leadership in regional security and proposed joint naval exercises and defense collaborations to enhance security in the Indo-Pacific. Both leaders agreed to increase information-sharing and defense training initiatives to strengthen strategic ties.
4. Education and People-to-People Ties
PM Modi and PM Luxon discussed the importance of educational exchanges and cultural ties between India and New Zealand. PM Luxon welcomed the growing number of Indian students in New Zealand and expressed interest in expanding student exchange programs and research collaborations.
PM Modi emphasized the contribution of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and proposed greater collaboration in cultural events and tourism. Both leaders agreed to simplify visa processes to facilitate easier movement of students, professionals, and tourists between the two nations.
5. Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Climate change and sustainable development were also discussed as key areas of cooperation. PM Luxon praised India’s leadership in renewable energy and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
PM Modi invited New Zealand to participate in India’s renewable energy initiatives and proposed joint projects in solar and wind energy. PM Luxon welcomed the proposal and expressed New Zealand’s willingness to share expertise in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Joint Statement and Future Outlook
Following the meeting, both leaders released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defense, technology, and cultural exchange.
PM Modi described the meeting as “productive and forward-looking,” highlighting that it marked a new chapter in India-New Zealand relations. PM Luxon echoed similar sentiments, stating that the meeting laid a strong foundation for enhanced cooperation in the years ahead.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing confidence in a stronger and more strategic partnership, built on mutual respect and shared interests.
This meeting reflects the growing significance of India-New Zealand ties in the global geopolitical landscape and sets the stage for deeper collaboration in the future.
