Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid a visit to the ancient Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in New Delhi on Monday. The two dignitaries made a visit to the Gurudwara and offered their respects, paying homage to the religious and cultural tradition of the Sikh people.
Earlier during the day, the two Prime Ministers reinforced their support to further improving bilateral ties, greater trade, broader defense cooperation, and ensuring that the Indo-Pacific region is at peace.
At a joint briefing to the press after the interactions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Modi and Luxon reaffirmed also strongly opposing terrorism and agreed on still further solidifying people-to-people contacts in their countries.
Luxon, who is on his first official visit to India between March 16-20, is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to visit India in nine years. In his speech, PM Modi appreciated Luxon's longstanding connection with India. "We all witnessed the manner in which he generated a celebratory mood by celebrating Holi in Auckland a few days ago. His love for the Indian-origin people in New Zealand is clear from the large party that has traveled with him on this trip," Modi added.
Luxon will attend as chief guest the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue, India's highest-level conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. PM Modi mentioned that this is an indicator of Luxon's leadership and outreach towards India. The talks between the two leaders encompassed a wide gamut of subjects, including trade, security, and investment, and culminated in some key agreements.
The two heads of state also committed to institutionalizing defense and security cooperation, with the emphasis on joint exercises, training programs, and defense industry cooperation. In their common front against terrorism, the two leaders condemned acts of terrorism like the 2019 Christchurch attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, reiterating that terrorism in any manifestation is unacceptable.
"Tough action against the perpetrators of terrorism is necessary. We will continue to work together to counter terrorism, separatism, and fundamentalist forces," Modi said, seeking New Zealand's cooperation in countering anti-India operations by illegal forces in the country.
Luxon, speaking at a media briefing, appreciated the robust people-to-people relationship between India and New Zealand and said, "We have just concluded a series of highly productive meetings and witnessed a number of government-to-government arrangements that will further strengthen the growing ties between our nations."
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