India-New Zealand enter into a deal for a mega pact
India-New Zealand enter into a deal for a mega pact
India and New Zealand on Sunday entered into a deal to institutionalise their defence and security ties even as PM Modi in an enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific conveyed concerns to his Kiwi counterpart over certain unlawful elements carrying out anti-India activities in the Pacific island nation. This was done amidst a press conference at the Hyderabad House on Sunday 17 March 2025.
Meanwhile, PM Modi and visiting New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon held wide-ranging talks focussing on ramping up overall bilateral ties, especially in areas of trade, defence, education and agriculture.
Through his media statement, PM Modi advocated that both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalise defence and security partnership. The road map will be prepared for cooperation in the defence industry sector.
PM Modi further went on to add that both New Zealand and India are unanimous against terrorism. Be it the Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019, or the Mumbai attack of November 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable.
PM Modi continued that stringent action is necessary against those found guilty of terrorist attacks.
Further adding that India will continue to cooperate together against terrorist, separatist and radical elements. In this context, both shared concern about anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand.
PM Modi also affirmed that India is confident it will continue to receive cooperation from the New Zealand government against all these “illegal elements”.
Strengthening the India link in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
The PM also referred to India and New Zealand determining to enter into negotiations for a mutually beneficial free trade pact.
This will boost the potential of mutual trade and investment. Mutual cooperation and investment will be encouraged in areas like dairy, food processing, and pharma
India and New Zealand support a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific and we believe in the policy of development, not expansionism, PM Modi further went in to add.
The New Zealand Prime Minister said Mr. Modi and he discussed a challenging strategic outlook in the Indo-Pacific.
NZ PM reiterated our strong commitment to address shared concerns over our respective interests in contributing to a prosperous Indo-Pacific.
News Edit KV Raman
