NEWS: Prime Minister of India visited New Zealand, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years.

ABOUT

• India–New Zealand relations are based on:
  • Shared democratic values.
  • Commonwealth ties.
  • Strong people-to-people connections.
  • Cooperation in a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
• Both countries elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership and adopted the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Strategic Partnership with Roadmap to 2030.
• Regular Foreign Ministers' Dialogue and annual senior officials' meetings.
• Strengthened defence and maritime cooperation, including logistics support and naval exercises.
• Established a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.
• Concluded a Comprehensive India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Target to double bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion by 2030.
• New Zealand joined the Global Biofuels Alliance.
• Reaffirmed support for a free and open Indo-Pacific, UNCLOS, and ASEAN centrality.
• New Zealand supported India's permanent UNSC membership and NSG membership.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Expands India's Indo-Pacific strategic presence.
• Opens new markets for pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, and digital services.
• Enhances cooperation in agriculture, education, research, and innovation.
• Strengthens India's engagement with Pacific Island countries.

CHALLENGES

• Low bilateral trade volume.
• Concerns over dairy and agricultural imports affecting Indian farmers.
• Geographical distance and limited connectivity.
• Differences in strategic priorities.
• Effective implementation of agreements remains essential.

WAY FORWARD

• Ensure time-bound implementation of the Roadmap to 2030.
• Balance FTA benefits while protecting sensitive sectors.
• Deepen maritime and defence cooperation.
• Promote joint research in AI, biotechnology, climate resilience, agritech, and clean energy.