Wellington: India-New Zealand trade deal received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to New Zealand. The two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership and announced a long-term Roadmap to 2030. The visit resulted in 18 important agreements and several new initiatives covering defence, trade, security, education, tourism, agriculture, science and culture.
Details of India-New Zealand Trade Deal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon agreed to strengthen cooperation across many sectors. The new Strategic Partnership aims to deepen political trust, increase economic cooperation and improve regional security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Roadmap to 2030 will guide ministries and agencies of both countries in implementing projects over the coming years.
India-New Zealand Trade Deal: 10 Official Agreements Signed During the Visit
Both countries signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Arrangements, including:
- Maritime cooperation between the defence forces.
- Cooperation in hydrography and nautical cartography.
- Mutual logistics support between the Indian Navy and New Zealand Defence Force.
- Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
- Disaster management cooperation.
- Animal husbandry and dairy cooperation.
- Tourism cooperation.
- India-New Zealand Joint Action Plan on Sports.
- Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.
- Cultural cooperation between both countries.
Eight Major Announcements Made
The leaders also announced several new initiatives:
- India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership and Roadmap to 2030.
- Target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.
- Launch of a Maritime Security Dialogue.
- New Zealand joining the maritime security pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- New Zealand joining the Global Biofuels Alliance.
- Kiwifruit Action Plan and two Centres of Excellence in Nagaland and Uttarakhand.
- Antarctic research cooperation between NCPOR Goa and the University of Canterbury.
- Academic cooperation between NIFTEM-Kundli and Massey University.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation Strengthened
Defence cooperation became one of the biggest outcomes of the visit. The two countries agreed to improve maritime security through joint activities, logistics support, information sharing and hydrographic cooperation. They also launched a new Maritime Security Dialogue to improve coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strong Stand Against Terrorism
Both Prime Ministers strongly condemned terrorism in every form, including cross-border terrorism. They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu & Kashmir and New Delhi and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable. The leaders agreed to increase cooperation against terrorism, terror financing, online radicalisation and violent extremism.
A Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism will help both countries share information and coordinate future actions.
Focus on Indo-Pacific and Global Security
India and New Zealand reaffirmed their support for a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Both sides supported freedom of navigation under international law and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They also supported ASEAN centrality, multilateral cooperation and reforms of the United Nations Security Council. New Zealand reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
Cooperation in Agriculture and Clean Energy
The leaders agreed to increase collaboration in agriculture through research, innovation and climate-resilient farming. They also discussed strengthening clean energy cooperation, resilient global supply chains and sustainable economic growth.
Discussion on Global Issues
The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on the Middle East and Ukraine. They called for restraint, protection of civilians, respect for international law and peaceful dialogue to resolve conflicts. They also stressed the importance of stable global supply chains and uninterrupted maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
What is the Importance of India-New Zealand Trade Deal
This visit marks one of the biggest milestones in India-New Zealand relations in recent decades. This India-New Zealand trade deal creates a stronger framework for defence, trade, technology, education, tourism, agriculture and scientific cooperation. The Roadmap to 2030 is expected to guide bilateral cooperation for the next several years while expanding opportunities for businesses, researchers, students and both economies.
