New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon in March reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, deepening defence cooperation, and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Addressing the media after holding talks at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House, the two leaders also took a firm stance against terrorism and agreed to enhance people-to-people ties.

Luxon, who arrived in Delhi on March 16 on his first official visit to India, is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to visit the country in nine years. In his remarks, PM Modi acknowledged the New Zealand PM’s longstanding association with India.

“We all saw the way he created a festive atmosphere by playing Holi in Auckland a few days ago. His affection for the Indian-origin community in New Zealand is evident from the large delegation accompanying him on this visit,” PM Modi said.

The visiting leader will join the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, as chief guest which PM Modi said reflects his leadership and engagement with India. PM Modi noted that their discussions covered a range of topics, including trade, security, and investment, leading to several key agreements.

The two leaders agreed to institutionalise defence and security cooperation, focusing on joint exercises, training programs, and collaboration in the defence industry. PM Modi also emphasised the growing maritime security cooperation, pointing that a New Zealand naval ship is making a port call in Mumbai.

Trade was another focal point of the discussion between the two leaders, with both countries agreeing to begin negotiations for a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “This will enhance mutual trade and investment potential in sectors such as dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Renewable energy, critical minerals, forestry, and horticulture were identified as priority areas for investment and collaboration. PM Modi expressed confidence that the business delegation accompanying Luxon would explore new opportunities in India.

The leaders also emphasised sports diplomacy, acknowledging the historic sporting ties between India and New Zealand. “We have decided to celebrate 100 years of sporting relations between our two countries in 2026,” PM Modi said, adding that both nations would collaborate in sports science, psychology, and medicine, while also facilitating player exchanges and coaching programs.

On immigration, PM Modi stressed the importance of a formal agreement to facilitate the mobility of skilled workers while tackling illegal migration. He also highlighted the need for greater digital cooperation, including the expansion of UPI connectivity and digital transactions. Additionally, he invited New Zealand universities to establish campuses in India to strengthen educational ties.

Addressing terrorism, both leaders strongly condemned attacks such as the 2019 Christchurch attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, reiterating that terrorism in any form is unacceptable. “Strict action against the culprits of terrorist attacks is necessary. We will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist, and fundamentalist elements,” said PM Modi, urging New Zealand’s continued support in addressing anti-India activities by illegal elements in the country.