India-New Zealand Relations : At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is on an official visit to India from March 16-20, 2025. This marks his first visit to India in his current capacity. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers Louise Upston, Mark Mitchell, and Todd McClay, as well as business representatives and cultural groups, Prime Minister Luxon is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, Prime Minister Luxon received a traditional welcome. He engaged in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi and laid a wreath at the Raj Ghat Memorial. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on March 17, with Prime Minister Luxon delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-New Zealand relations, emphasizing shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. Discussions focused on trade, investment, defence, education, technology, agriculture, and sports. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, highlighting their shared interests in an open and stable Indo-Pacific.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Expansion
The two leaders welcomed sustained trade and investment between their nations and agreed to explore further opportunities for expansion. They announced the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, aiming for a balanced and comprehensive trade pact. They also discussed early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector and emphasized boosting two-way investment.
Additionally, the signing of an Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) was acknowledged, facilitating easier movement of goods. Agreements on horticulture and forestry cooperation were also signed, promoting knowledge exchange and policy dialogues.
Defence and Security Collaboration
The Prime Ministers highlighted the significance of defence engagements, including military exercises, port visits, and high-level exchanges. They welcomed the signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation and New Zealand\’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). The leaders also discussed maritime safety and the importance of upholding international law in the Indo-Pacific.
Science, Technology, and Disaster Management Cooperation
Recognizing the importance of scientific collaboration, the leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and disaster management. New Zealand reaffirmed its support for India\’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and its recent membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). Work is also underway on an earthquake mitigation cooperation agreement.
Education, Mobility, and Cultural Exchange
Both leaders emphasized expanding educational partnerships and student mobility. A refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement was signed, facilitating information exchange between India and New Zealand’s education sectors. Additionally, negotiations were launched on an arrangement to facilitate the mobility of professionals and skilled workers.
In the field of sports, a Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports was signed, and both sides welcomed upcoming \”Sporting Unity\” events in 2026, marking 100 years of sporting ties. They also acknowledged growing interest in Indian culture in New Zealand, including yoga, music, and dance.
Regional and Multilateral Cooperation
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to an open and stable Indo-Pacific, cooperation in ASEAN-led regional fora, and the need for UN Security Council reforms. New Zealand endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
The two leaders also condemned terrorism in all forms and emphasized the need for immediate action against terrorist networks. They reiterated their support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, calling for continued negotiations to resolve conflicts.
Conclusion and Future Engagements
Prime Minister Luxon expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for their warm hospitality. He extended an invitation for Prime Minister Modi to visit New Zealand, reinforcing the commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation.
