PM Modi and New Zealand PM Luxon discussed strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on trade, defense, education, and agriculture cooperation.
India and New Zealand on Monday (March 17, 2025) inked a mega pact to institutionalize their defense and security ties even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed concerns to his Kiwi counterpart over certain illegal elements carrying out anti-India activities in the Pacific island nation.
Mr. Modi and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held wide-ranging talks with a focus on ramping up overall bilateral ties, especially in areas of trade, defense, education, and agriculture.
In his media statement, Modi said both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalize defense and security partnership and a roadmap will be prepared for collaboration in the defense industry sector.
“We are both unanimous against terrorism. Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019, or the Mumbai attack of November 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable,” he said.
The Prime Minister said stringent action is necessary against those guilty of terrorist attacks.
We will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist and radical elements. said Modi.
“In this context, we shared our concern about anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand,” he said.
Mr. Modi said India is confident that it will continue to receive cooperation from the New Zealand government against all these “illegal elements.”
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The Prime Minister also referred to India and New Zealand deciding to begin negotiations for a mutually beneficial free trade pact.
“This will boost the potential of mutual trade and investment. Mutual collaboration and investment will be encouraged in areas like dairy, food processing, and pharma,” he said.
Mr. Modi said India and New Zealand support a free, open and safe Indo-Pacific.
“We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism,” he said.
The New Zealand Prime Minister said, Modi and he discussed a challenging strategic approach in the Indo-Pacific.
“I reiterated our strong commitment to address shared concerns over our respective interests in contributing to a prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr. said Luxon.
