New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) India and New Zealand agreed to deepen their defence and security cooperation and re-launch negotiations for a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon here today.

The two sides also inked Memorandums of Co-operation on sports, horticulture and education.

The two Prime Ministers held closed door talks lasting 20 minutes after which they held bilateral delegation level talks for half an hour.

In his address to the media, Prime Minister Modi said that the New Zealand PM has had a long relationship with India, in reference to PM Luxon’s previous stint as top executive of Unilever for which he visited India regularly.

He also said that PM Luxon’s affection towards the people of Indian origin in New Zealand is evident in the fact that he has brought a large Indian-Kiwi delegation along with him.

“It is a matter of great pleasure for us to have a young, energetic and talented leader like him as the Chief Guest of the Raisina Dialogue this year,” the PM remarked.

“We've decided to strengthen and institutionalise our defense and security collaboration,” the PM said, adding that besides joint exercises, training, and port visits, both sides would draw up a roadmap for bilateral defense industry collaboration.

“Our navies are working together in the Combined Task Force-150 for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. And, we are happy that a New Zealand naval ship is making a port call in Mumbai in two days.”

“We have decided to begin discussions for a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. This shall increase the potential for bilateral trade and investment. Mutual cooperation and investment shall be encouraged in fields such as Dairy, Food Processing, and Pharma,” the PM said.

Both sides will also be working in the field of Renewable Energy and Critical Minerals, work together in the field of Forestry and Horticulture.

“Whether it is cricket, hockey, or mountaineering, the two countries share a long-standing bond in sports,” PM Modi said, adding that they have agreed to strengthen cooperation in sports coaching, player exchange, and in sports science, psychology, and medicine. Both sides would celebrate 100 years of sports relations in 2026, he added.

Referring to the Indian community, which makes up six percent of New Zealand’s population, PM Modi said the two sides have agreed to work quickly on an agreement to simplify the mobility of skilled workers and address issues related to illegal migration.

Both sides will also focus on enhancing UPI connectivity, promoting digital transactions, and boosting tourism, PM Modi said, and invited universities from New Zealand to establish campuses in India.

PM Modi said both countries stand united against terrorism. “Whether it is the Christchurch terrorist attack of March 15, 2019 or the Mumbai attack of November 26, 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable. Strict action must be taken against those responsible for such attacks,” he said, adding that both sides will continue to cooperate in combating terrorism, separatist, and extremist elements.

PM Modi said that India has shared its concerns “about anti-India activities by certain illegal elements in New Zealand. We’re confident that we will continue to receive the full cooperation of the New Zealand Government against such illegal elements”, he said, referring to the anti-India activities of pro-Khalistani elements, which New Delhi had raised on earlier occasions too.

PM Modi said both sides support a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. “We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism,” PM Modi, said in an oblique reference to China.

He welcomed New Zealand joining the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative and for joining the CDRI.

“In the language of Rugby, I would say – both of us are ready to "Front up" for a bright future in our relationship. We are ready to step up together and take responsibility for a bright partnership! And, I am confident that our partnership will prove to be a match-winning partnership for the people of both countries,” PM Modi added.

In a post on X, the PM said: “PM Luxon and I agreed to deepen defence and security linkages between our nations. We are also keen to boost trade ties and work closely in sectors such as dairy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, education, horticulture and more.

“It is a matter of immense joy to be welcoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Delhi. It is equally gladdening that such a youthful, dynamic and energetic leader will be the Chief Guest at this year’s Raisina Dialogue. We had wide ranging talks earlier today, covering all important sectors relating to India-New Zealand friendship.”

The New Zealand PM later called on President Droupadi Murmu. The President’s house said in a post on X: “Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The two leaders agreed that the State Visit of President Murmu to New Zealand in August 2024, and the significant outcomes announced today during Prime Minister Luxon’s visit, will impart positive momentum to the India-New Zealand partnership.”

The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:

“Further cementing warm & friendly ties.

“PM @narendramodi held productive discussions with PM @chrisluxonmp

of New Zealand.

“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.

“They also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”

UNI RN