Auckland: India and New Zealand have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation across trade, defence, maritime security and regional stability.
The announcement was made following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon on Saturday. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific and agreed to deepen cooperation in key strategic sectors.
The two countries set an ambitious target of doubling their annual bilateral trade to Rs 35,000 crore by 2030. Expanding trade through the early implementation of a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) emerged as one of the major priorities during the discussions.
The talks resulted in 18 key outcomes, including the signing of 10 agreements. Among the major initiatives was the adoption of a four-year roadmap aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
India and New Zealand also signed three significant maritime agreements to strengthen the sharing of hydrographic data, facilitate mutual naval logistics support and enhance maritime engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a major investment commitment, New Zealand announced plans to invest USD 20 billion in India over the next 15 years, reflecting growing economic confidence and expanding business opportunities between the two nations.
The leaders said the strengthened Strategic Partnership would further boost cooperation in trade, investment, defence, maritime security and people-to-people exchanges while contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.
