Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have strengthened diplomatic and economic ties during Luxon’s visit to India, announcing new trade agreements and a defence cooperation arrangement.
The leaders discussed regional security challenges and agreed to deepen collaboration in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and trade route protection in the Indo-Pacific.
Luxon emphasised New Zealand’s commitment to “ensuring regional stability”, while Modi highlighted shared values of “development and prosperity”.
A significant outcome of the visit was the formal launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement between the two nations.
Additionally, Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay signed Memorandums of Cooperation in forestry and horticulture, reinforcing partnerships in “sustainable forest management”, agroforestry, and kiwifruit production, with the latter expected to generate up to $1 billion in reciprocal benefits over the next decade.
New Zealand will also expand its diplomatic presence in India, establishing additional roles in New Delhi and Mumbai.
Luxon also met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and delivered the opening address at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier defence and security conference.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and I visited Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, a place of profound faith and history. The Sikh community’s unwavering commitment to service and humanity is truly admirable across the world.@chrisluxonmp pic.twitter.com/RNLfuz5ul2
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2025
“We’ll send you fruit and forestry, you send us 15 million people. It’s a win win!!!”
Just goes to show how far NZ has regressed down the Totem Pole
Rice will be cheaper
I eat it every day
This is good news so far, as it might just put China on the back-burner of trade & investment, but this will probably leade to more Chinese Naval Drills in the Tasman Sea.
Looking forward to seeing the political confusion and (non)solution when a Chinese Nuclear Submarine (or Russian, for that matter…) surfaced next to the ferry in the Cook Strait!
Don’t think it won’t happen, especially with the recent cutting of undersea cables and the destruction of gas & oil pipelines!
This is why NZ needs to become a Nation of Armed Neutrality modeled after the Swiss example, and adapted to Island Defence!
For some a clown costume is not necessary.