India and New Zealand on Saturday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon setting an ambitious goal of doubling annual bilateral trade in goods and services to Rs 35,000 crore by 2030 after holding wide-ranging talks.
The discussions resulted in 18 tangible outcomes, including the signing of 10 agreements. Among the most significant were a roadmap outlining the expansion of bilateral cooperation over the next four years, a framework aimed at strengthening maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, and a reciprocal logistics support agreement between the Indian Navy and the New Zealand Defence Force.
According to a joint statement, the two leaders reviewed developments in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the region remains free, open and prosperous. They also underscored the need to uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity and a rules-based international order.
The statement said both prime ministers stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, along with other lawful uses of the seas, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
As part of their broader Indo-Pacific agenda, India and New Zealand also agreed to launch a maritime security dialogue designed to improve cooperation, coordination and information sharing on maritime issues.
Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday night for the third and concluding leg of his three-nation visit, which has largely centred on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amid China's growing assertiveness in the region. The visit followed the recent signing of the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Addressing the bilateral talks, Modi said the partnership between India and New Zealand, both maritime nations, would contribute significantly to strengthening the Indo-Pacific.
“As two maritime nations, our close cooperation, lends new strength to the Indo-Pacific, and our ties can infuse fresh energy into achieving our shared goals of peace,” the prime minister said in Hindi.
The two leaders agreed to pursue the shared objective of increasing two-way trade in goods and services to 7 billion New Zealand dollars, or around Rs 35,000 crore, by 2030.
They also committed to working together to facilitate the early implementation of the FTA.
The discussions also covered the conflict in West Asia, with Modi and Luxon expressing concern over the renewed escalation of tensions. The joint statement said both leaders urged all sides to exercise restraint, reduce tensions and ensure the protection of civilians.
“They called for full restoration of freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, while opposing any constraints on shipping,” it said.
The two prime ministers reaffirmed that dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law remain essential for securing a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Modi and Luxon also jointly advocated “bold and effective” reforms of the United Nations and reiterated their support for expanding the UN Security Council.
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