New Zealand and India agree on defence co-operation

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held productive talks in New Delhi yesterday, March 17.

Fresh off announcing New Zealand and India would commence negotiations towards a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the two prime ministers released a joint statement detailing plans for further co-operation between the two countries across a range of areas.

It includes the announcement of a new Defence Co-operation Arrangement.

“In today’s world, security is the foundation of prosperity, and India is a key partner of New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific,” Luxon says.

“This arrangement will open up new areas of collaboration between our defence forces and facilitate closer defence ties.”

The Joint Statement also outlined opportunities to work more closely around political relations, trade, science and technology, people-to-people and sporting links, and co-operation in regional and international settings.

New Zealand will increase its diplomatic footprint in India, establishing additional roles in New Delhi and Mumbai to further New Zealand’s profile and promote interests on the ground.

“My meetings today have allowed us to unlock new opportunities and potential partnerships that will serve the people of New Zealand and India,” Luxon says.

While in Delhi, Luxon also met with Indian President, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, and gave the opening address as chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier defence and security conference.