India-New Zealand to Strengthen Defence Ties

New Delhi: Following his meeting with the visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and New Zealand will strengthen and institutionalise their defence and security collaboration.

In addition to joint exercises, training, and port visits, a roadmap for bilateral defence industry collaboration will be developed. “Our navies are working together in the Combined Task Force-150 for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. And, we are happy that a New Zealand naval ship is making a port call in Mumbai in two days,” Modi said.

Both Modi and Luxon underscored the significance of defence cooperation, which includes joint military training efforts. They reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms, citing past incidents in Christchurch and Mumbai as crucial reminders of the necessity for collective action against extremist threats. Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, and said, ostensibly targeting China, “We both support a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism.”

The defence partnership indicates a strengthening of strategic relations. Luxon’s role as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker at the 10th Raisina Dialogue further underscored New Zealand’s commitment to participating in global geopolitical and geoeconomic conversations.

Another key outcome of  Luxon’s official trip to India from March 16 to 20, 2025, is the announcement to restart negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which had been inactive for over ten years. Both he and Modi agreed to finalise it by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain integration and improve market access, showcasing a mutual dedication to strengthening economic relations.

The decision to revive FTA negotiations is a strategic initiative that could significantly boost bilateral trade, which reached $1.7 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. However, the success of these negotiations will hinge on effectively addressing sensitive issues such as market access and regulatory standards. The expansion into sectors like renewable energy and critical minerals indicates a forward-looking approach, aligning with global sustainability goals.

This development signifies both nations’ desire to achieve equitable results that will strengthen supply chain integration and broaden market access. The revival of these discussions aligns with India’s recent initiatives to forge trade agreements with other significant economies, such as the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Luxon’s official trip to India marks the first by a New Zealand Prime Minister since 2016, highlighting a shared dedication to fostering cooperation across multiple sectors. In addition to trade and defence, the visit has opened doors for collaboration in areas such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and critical minerals, to harness each nation’s strengths to promote innovation and sustainable growth. 

Both India and New Zealand also agreed to strengthen cooperation in sports coaching, player exchange, and areas such as sports science, psychology, and medicine. “We have decided to celebrate 100 years of sports relations between our two nations in 2026,” Modi said.

Acknowledging the vibrant Indian community in New Zealand, both  Modi and Luxon expressed their desire to enhance cultural and educational exchanges, with Prime Minister Luxon’s recent participation in the Holi festival in Auckland serving as a symbol of the strong connections between the people of both nations. Modi said the two nations have agreed to work swiftly on an agreement to simplify the mobility of skilled workers and address issues related to illegal migration. “We shall also focus on enhancing UPI connectivity, promoting digital transactions, and boosting tourism,” he informed.

Luxon also called on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, where the President highlighted the immense potential for enhancing educational cooperation between the two countries through institutional exchanges, setting up of campuses by New Zealand universities in India, and dual degrees.

Accompanied by a high-profile delegation of business leaders and parliamentarians, Luxon’s visit underscores a unified effort to enhance economic and cultural connections. Their upcoming meetings in Mumbai with Indian business leaders are aimed at uncovering new investment and collaboration opportunities, reflecting a mutual vision for a more robust economic partnership.

“In the language of Rugby, I would say – both of us are ready to “Front up” for a bright future in our relationship,” Modi said. 

– global bihari bureau