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New Zealand Prime Minister’s India visit
At the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon undertook an official visit to India from 16-20 March 2025. This visit marked Prime Minister Luxon’s first trip to India in his current role. Accompanied by senior ministers and a high-level delegation, he visited New Delhi and Mumbai.
Prime Minister Luxon received a warm welcome in New Delhi, where he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Shri Modi. He also paid homage at Raj Ghat and met with President Droupadi Murmu. He was the Chief Guest at the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, where he delivered the Inaugural Keynote Address.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-New Zealand relationship, rooted in shared democratic values and people-to-people ties.
Recognizing the potential for further collaboration, they agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, defense, security, education, science, technology, agriculture, space, and sports.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The Prime Ministers discussed regional and global issues, emphasizing their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. They reaffirmed their support for freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Both leaders acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Indian and New Zealand citizens in both countries.
Defense and Security Partnership
The Prime Ministers emphasized the significance of defense cooperation and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Cooperation. They acknowledged the progress made in military exchanges, naval visits, and training programs.
New Zealand welcomed India’s participation in the Combined Maritime Forces, and both sides agreed to enhance maritime security cooperation. Additionally, New Zealand expressed interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which India welcomed.
Science, Technology, and Climate Action
New Zealand reaffirmed its commitment to the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), reinforcing cooperation in disaster risk reduction. Plans for an MoU on earthquake mitigation were also discussed.
Key Announcements
–Launch of FTA negotiations to enhance trade and investment.
–Initiation of mobility negotiations to facilitate skilled worker exchange.
–New Zealand’s entry into the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
–New Zealand’s membership in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Signed Agreements
–Joint Statement
–MoU on Defense Cooperation
–Authorized Economic Operator – Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA)
–MoU on Horticulture Cooperation
–Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation
–Education Cooperation Agreement
–MoU on Sports Cooperation