New Zealand and India's Prime Ministers have "elevated" the relationship of the nations into a strategic partnership, with ambitions to double trade and bolster maritime security by 2030.
Christopher Luxon and Narendra Modi have agreed to a 'Roadmap to 2030', which features a number of commitments to improve investment, technology, maritime security, education, tourism, sport, agriculture, community and trade.
The agreement was struck this morning after Modi was welcomed by Luxon at Government House in Auckland.
Modi accepted the wero, or challenge, laid by members of the New Zealand Defence Force before accompanying Luxon to inspect New Zealand's Honour Guard.
Modi arrived in Auckland last night for a one-day trip. It's the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited New Zealand in 40 years.
Both Prime Ministers and representatives from their governments gathered in the dining room for a formal bilateral meeting.
One notable absentee was Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who is visiting Singapore and Japan. His coalition party, New Zealand First, has withheld support for a free trade deal between India and New Zealand.
Luxon said today the strategic partnership is a "major step" in the relationship between New Zealand and India, and signalled their ambition to "do more together".
In a joint statement, the leaders agreed to combat transnational and organised crime, including illicit drug-trafficking, financial crime, cyber-enabled crime, terrorism-related offences, people smuggling and human trafficking.
The roadmap includes seven pillars, with political and diplomatic engagement, defence and security cooperation, and trade and economic cooperation making up the first three pillars, respectively.
On defence, both governments want to deepen their maritime defence ties, including a commitment to conduct naval activities such as bilateral naval exercises and engage on cyber security priorities.
The roadmap includes a Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the New Zealand and Indian defence forces.
"New Zealand's prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific," Luxon said.
"That's why we are stepping up practical cooperation at sea and deepening how we work together and share perspectives on maritime security."
The roadmap has no financial commitments and does not create any legally binding rights or obligations.
Modi was to speak with Labour leader Chris Hipkins, as well as meeting prominent business and sports personalities.
He was also expected to address more than 10,000 people at a community event at Spark Arena in the evening to cap off his visit.
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
