India-New Zealand News: Friendship between India and New Zealand deepens, aim to double trade by 2030

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited New Zealand and met its Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Both the leaders have decided to make it a ‘Strategic Partnership’ to further strengthen mutual relations. After almost 40 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand, which is being considered a historic step.

Both the countries have set a big target to increase trade. It has been decided that mutual trade will be doubled to Rs 35,000 crore (about 7 billion New Zealand dollars) by 2030. The recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will play a major role in this work. Along with this, New Zealand has announced an investment of 20 billion dollars in India in the next 15 years.

Many important agreements have been sealed during this visit. 10 agreements and MoUs were signed with a total of 18 outcomes. These agreements cover the following areas:

• Defense and Maritime Security
• Sports and Tourism
• Dairy and Food Technology
• Disaster Management and Hydrography

From security perspective, ‘India-New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap 2030’ was introduced. Under this, both the countries will work together for maritime security, cyber defense and fighting terrorism. A special ‘Joint Working Group’ has been formed to fight against terrorism. New Zealand will now also join the Global Biofuels Alliance.

A ‘Kiwifruit Action Plan’ was launched to increase farming and trade of the fruit. Under this, two ‘Centers of Excellence’ will be opened for Kiwi fruit in India. During the meeting, both the leaders also shared their views on the situation in the world and the ongoing disputes in West Asia.