India and New Zealand on Saturday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in ties as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon agreed on an ambitious roadmap to deepen cooperation across defence, trade, maritime security and the Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders announced a target of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to 7 billion New Zealand dollars (around Rs 35,000 crore) by 2030. Their meeting produced 18 concrete outcomes, including 10 agreements, signalling a comprehensive expansion of cooperation between the two countries.
Defence, maritime cooperation take centre stage
Among the key outcomes were a reciprocal logistics support arrangement between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force, a framework for enhanced Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation, and the establishment of a dedicated maritime security dialogue to improve coordination, information sharing and regional security cooperation.
Addressing the media after the talks, Modi said the decision to elevate bilateral ties reflected the growing convergence between the two nations.
"We have decided to elevate our ties to a Strategic Partnership. We will move forward across every sector with clear goals and concrete outcomes," the Prime Minister said.
Noting that both countries are maritime nations, Modi said stronger cooperation would contribute to peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
Shared vision for Indo-Pacific and global security
A joint statement issued after the talks reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while stressing respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rules-based international order.
The two leaders underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and agreed to strengthen collaboration on maritime security.
The visit follows the recent signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with both leaders resolving to work towards its early implementation to unlock greater economic opportunities.
Calls for peace, UN reforms and zero tolerance on terror
Beyond bilateral issues, Modi and Luxon exchanged views on key global challenges, including the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. Expressing concern over the renewed escalation in West Asia, the two leaders called for restraint, dialogue and diplomacy while emphasising the need to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.
They also backed comprehensive reforms of the United Nations, including expansion of the UN Security Council to better reflect contemporary global realities.
Also read: PM Modi lauds Indian diaspora for preserving culture for ages
The leaders expressed concern over disruptions to global supply chains, particularly their impact on Indo-Pacific economies and Pacific Island nations, and highlighted India's growing role in strengthening resilient global energy networks.
Reiterating a firm stand against terrorism, both Prime Ministers strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the terror incident near Delhi's Red Fort last year. They called for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, urging stronger international efforts to dismantle terror financing networks, eliminate safe havens and ensure that those responsible for terrorist attacks are brought to justice.
PM Modi concludes three-nation tour, departs for India
PM wraps up 3 nation Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday concluded his three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, departing from Auckland for India after a visit that significantly advanced India's strategic, economic and security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said the visit had "deepened bonds, strengthened partnerships and shaped a shared future," highlighting substantive discussions and key outcomes achieved during the final leg in New Zealand.
The tour culminated with India and New Zealand elevating bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. In a special gesture, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon personally saw Modi off at the airport, marking the end of the Prime Minister's first visit to the country by an Indian premier in 40 years.
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