New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon Strengthens India Ties; Calls For Deeper Cooperation

During his visit to New Delhi, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations with India.

Taking to X, PM Christopher Luxon posted, “New Zealand and India bookend the Indo-Pacific, but distance is no barrier to our pursuit of a brighter future for both our nations. Thank you for welcoming me to New Delhi, Prime Minister @narendramodi.”

On Monday, PM Luxon met with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, where discussions covered trade, regional security, and economic collaboration.

The meeting comes amid growing efforts to expand economic ties, with both sides advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

PM Modi emphasized shared values, stating, “We both support a Free, Open, Secure, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific. We believe in the policy of development, not expansionism. We welcome New Zealand to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative. After the International Solar Alliance, we also congratulate New Zealand for joining CDRI.”

“Be it the Christchurch terror attack of 15 March 2019 or the Mumbai attack of 26 November 2008, terrorism in any form is unacceptable. Strict action is necessary against those guilty of terror attacks. We will continue to cooperate against terrorist, separatist and radical elements. In this context, we shared our concerns regarding anti-India activities by some unlawful elements in New Zealand. We are confident that we will continue to receive the support of the New Zealand government against all these illegal elements,” the Prime Minister further asserted.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon On Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Speaking to the media, PM Luxon highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to fostering closer ties with India and praised India’s hospitality, calling it ‘incredibly generous and very welcoming’.

New Zealand Prime Minister also emphasized the significance of his delegation, noting it was “the largest-ever delegation of business and community leaders to accompany a New Zealand Prime Minister on a foreign trip.”

PM Luxon further acknowledged the strong Indian diaspora presence in New Zealand, stating that Indian-Kiwis are the country’s third-largest ethnic group, the top source of skilled migrants, and the second-largest contributors to international student enrollments.

He praised their role in various sectors and met with business and community leaders traveling with him.

Underscoring cultural ties, PM Luxon was seen alongside cricketers Ajaz Patel and Ross Taylor.

His visit, a milestone in bilateral engagement, is expected to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations between the two Indo-Pacific nations.

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