India and New Zealand agree on strategic partnership until 2030
India and New Zealand agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership by 2030, including a goal to double trade by 2034 and enhanced maritime security cooperation.
Christopher Luxon described the move as a “major step” in the relations between the two countries. As he stated in his announcement, the two leaders supported this ambition with concrete actions.
In this context, a “Roadmap to 2030” was agreed upon, which includes among other things the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2034, through the recent free trade agreement.
According to this agreement, tariffs will be reduced or eliminated on 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India when fully implemented, while it applies immediately to 57%.
“This Roadmap reflects the breadth of the relationship – from trade, investment and technology to maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture and communities,” Luxon emphasized.
Emphasis on maritime security
Particular emphasis is placed on maritime security. The two sides agreed on a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the defense forces, a mutual logistics support arrangement with a focus on the maritime sector, regular joint naval exercises, and annual dialogues on maritime security.
The New Zealand prime minister stressed that his country’s prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. For this reason, practical cooperation at sea and the exchange of views on maritime security issues are being strengthened.
Last year, New Zealand led a combined task force, with India as deputy commander, which aimed at deterring drug trafficking, terrorism and illegal activities in the Middle East and Western Indian Ocean.
First visit by an Indian prime minister in 40 years
The visit by Narendra Modi was the first by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in four decades. It followed his corresponding visit to Australia.
In the context of regional developments, New Zealand has expressed interest in participating in the defense pact between Australia and Fiji, following the launch of a long-range ballistic missile by China in the Pacific.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that it is important for Pacific countries and other interested states to respond immediately to such actions.
According to a joint statement issued after the visit, these agreements cover a wide range of sectors and aim to strengthen ties between India and New Zealand in the coming years.
