Narendra Modi, Christopher Luxon discuss Indo-Pacific during bilateral meet

Sharing details about the meeting between two leaders, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X: "Both leaders agreed to further strengthen ties in areas of trade & investment, defence & security, maritime cooperation, education & research, science & technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people & sports."

He further said: "They also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific."

Prime Minister Luxon was accorded a warm and traditional welcome in New Delhi.

As per a joint statement released, the Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand which is anchored in shared democratic values and robust people-to-people ties.

Both leaders recognized that there remains significant potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in diverse areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people and sports.

Indo-Pacific

The Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation.

"The Prime Ministers recognised that we face an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. They noted that, as maritime nations, India and New Zealand have a strong and common interest in an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where the rules-based international order is upheld," the Joint Statement said.

FTA

The Prime Ministers agreed to enhance the trade and investment relationship between India and New Zealand to realise its untapped potential and to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement to achieve deeper economic integration.

Within the context of FTA negotiations, the Leaders agreed to discussions between respective authorities on both sides to explore early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) under the aegis of the Customs Cooperation Arrangement (CCA) signed in 2024, which would facilitate easier movement of goods between the two countries by our respective trusted traders through close cooperation between customs authorities, thereby boosting bilateral trade.

Luxon Visiting India

Luxon is visiting India from March 16 to 20.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora community in New Zealand.

This is the first visit to India by Prime Minister Luxon in his present capacity.

He will visit New Delhi and Mumbai before returning to Wellington on 20 March 2025.