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India, New Zealand firm up ties with Trade, Defence Agreements
Context:
Recently,New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited India, paving the way for key agreements in various sectors. The discussions and agreements mark a shift towards a comprehensive partnership, emphasising Indo-Pacific stability, economic collaboration, and people-to-people ties.
Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation
- Defence Agreement: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation was signed to institutionalise defence collaboration.
- Joint Military Training & Exercises: Both nations agreed to conduct joint training exercises and port visits to enhance interoperability.
- Maritime Security: India and New Zealand are cooperating under Combined Task Force-150 (CTF-150) to secure the Indian Ocean region.
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): New Zealand has formally joined the India-led initiative to reinforce regional maritime security.
Counterterrorism and Security Concerns
- Joint Condemnation of Terrorism: Both nations strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, recalling the Christchurch attack (2019) and Mumbai attacks (2008).
- Addressing Pro-Khalistan Activities: India raised concerns about anti-India separatist movements in New Zealand, similar to those in Canada, UK, and the US.
- Security Collaboration: Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling radical elements, separatist threats, and organised crime.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
- India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
- Relaunch of negotiations after a decade, focusing on a balanced and mutually beneficial trade framework.
- Key focus areas:
- Tariff and non-tariff reduction
- Market access enhancement
- Investment facilitation and protection
- Digital trade and e-commerce
- Customs procedures and regulatory harmonisation
- Authorised Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Agreement (AEO-MRA):
- Signed between India’s CBIC and New Zealand Customs Service.
- Aims to streamline trade processes and enhance customs cooperation.
Mobility and Skilled Workforce Exchange
- Labour Mobility Arrangement:
- Aims to facilitate the movement of professionals and skilled workers.
- Addresses irregular migration challenges.
- Education and Cultural Ties:
- Education Cooperation Agreement signed to enhance academic collaboration.
- Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Sports signed to strengthen ties in cricket, hockey, and Olympic sports.
- Celebration of the Centenary of Sporting Contact (2026) through Sporting Unity events.
Sectoral Cooperation
- Agriculture and Forestry:
- MoU on Horticulture Cooperation between India’s Ministry of Agriculture and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries.
- Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation exchanged between India’s Ministry of Environment and New Zealand’s counterpart.
- Science, Technology, and Climate Resilience:
- Focus on innovation and commercialisation of new technologies.
- New Zealand joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- Earthquake Mitigation and Disaster Preparedness Cooperation initiated.
Geopolitical and Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific:
- Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to rules-based international order and freedom of navigation.
- Addressing China’s Expansionism:
- Highlighted concerns over China’s aggressive maritime posture.
- Stressed the importance of regional development over expansionism.
- Multilateral Engagement:
- Support for ASEAN-led forums (EAS, ADMM-Plus, ARF).
- India’s candidature for permanent membership in the UN Security Council supported by New Zealand.
- Joint commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
- Agreement to enhance mutual support in multilateral organisations.
Regional and Global Issues
- Middle East Stability:
- Welcomed the January 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine.
- Endorsed the two-state solution.
- Ukraine Conflict:
- Stressed the importance of territorial integrity and adherence to international law.
- Counterterrorism and Extremism:
- Agreement on disrupting terror financing networks.
- Commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism efforts.
