Blitz Bureau
INDIA and New Zealand have pledged to bolster their bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence, and cooperation for regional peace in the Indo-Pacific. The two countries signed five agreements in the fields of Defence, Education, Sports, Horticulture, and Forestry. The agreements were exchanged following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in New Delhi on March 17.
The two countries also announced the launch of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement. In his press statement, PM Modi said, they had detailed discussions on various aspects of the bilateral relationship, and both sides decided to strengthen and institutionalise the defence and security partnership. PM Modi said that it had been decided to initiate negotiations on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.
PM Modi said India and New Zealand will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist, and radical elements. In his statement, Luxon said both sides looking forward to achieving a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. He said New Zealand will increase its diplomatic presence in India. Earlier, Luxon praised the Indian community for its significant role in shaping the island nation’s progress. In a post on X, he said, “The Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand. India is our largest source of skilled migrants and our second-largest source of international students.”
“Indian-Kiwis make a massive contribution to New Zealand, and I’m proud of what this community does for our country.
